Index number theory informs us that if data on matched prices and quantities are available, a superlative index number formula is best to aggregate heterogeneous items, and a unit value index to aggregate homogeneous ones. The formulas can give very different results. Neglected is the practical...

Intro -- Contents -- I. INTRODUCTION -- II. ELEMENTARY INDEX NUMBER FORMULAS, THEIR USE AND JUSTIFICATION -- III. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE JEVONS AND DUTOT FORMULAS -- IV. EMPIRICAL WORK -- V. IMPLICATIONS FOR CPI COMPILATION -- VI. SUMMARY -- Data Annex.

Intro -- Contents -- I. INTRODUCTION -- II. MEASURING THE COST OF LIVING -- III. TRUE REAL EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATES -- IV. AN APPLICATION: THE IRISH ECONOMY'S EXPOSURE TO STERLING -- V. CONCLUSION -- Appendix -- References.