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This book deals with the currently most relevant topics in price index numbers theory and practice. The problem of the harmonization of Consumer Price Indexes (CPIs) and the time-space integration of baskets is analyzed at the EU-zone level, with methodological and practical proposals on how to proceed for an overall treatment of the matter. Another issue is comparisons between Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs) and CPIs. Likewise, the construction of sub-indexes for households, economic and social groups is investigated, in order to obtain specific inflation measurement instruments. The book provides evidence from the most updated databases. Among the other issues treated in this book are spatial comparisons of price levels through PPPs and the international comparisons of macroeconomic aggregates, a re-consideration of index numbers theory, the measurement of production in non-market services, deflation problems, and price indexes in financial markets.

PPP is one of the most widely researched areas in international finance and one of the most controversial in the theory of exchange rate determination. This book demonstrates the applications of Purchasing Power Parity in exchange rate determination as well as more practical applications of salary comparison and the cost-of living across borders. It uses The Economist's annual Big Mac Index in place of the traditional basket of services used in PPP research. The author demonstrates that this is a good solution to the index-number problem since it is readily available and more appealing as an international monetary standard. The book also shows how The Big Mac Index could have been used to predict the Asian Currency Crisis and the Mexican Peso stand-off where more traditional economic measures failed.