Appendix 6 Table 4 (Chapter 3: The Economy)   Year-on-year Rates of Change in the Consumer Price Indices(1)(2)(3) Percentages   2000   2004   2005   Composite Consumer Price Index -3.8   -0.4   +1.0     Food -2.2   +1.0   +1.8     Housing -8.2   -5.2   +0.1   Consumer Price Index (A) -3.0   §   +1.1     Food -2.4   +1.4   +2.1     Housing -6.2   -4.1   §   Consumer Price Index (B) -3.9   -0.5   +1.0     Food -2.1   +1.1   +1.9     Housing -8.2   -5.6   +0.1   Consumer Price Index (C) -4.5   -0.9   +0.8     Food -1.9   +0.4   +1.0     Housing -9.9   -6.0   §       Notes: (1) The year-on-year rate of change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an important indicator of inflation affecting consumers. (2) The CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) respectively cover some 50%, 30% and 10% of households in Hong Kong. The average monthly household expenditure (in HK$) of these groups during the base period (i.e. Oct. 2004-Sep. 2005) were $4,000-$15,499, $15,500-$27,499 and $27,500-$59,999 respectively. The Composite CPI is compiled based on the expenditure patterns of all these households taken together. (3) From October 2005 onwards, the year-on-year rates of change are derived from the 2004/2005-based CPIs. For earlier periods, the year-on-year rates of change are derived from the CPIs with old base period. § Change within ±0.05%. Source: Consumer Price Index Section, Census and Statistics Department. (Enquiry Telephone No.: 2805 6403)