3 days ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Q&A: Where Does BLS Data Show Up in Everyday Life?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics' data does more than capture monthly job growth and inflation pressures; it plays a crucial role in Americans' financial lives, say Joe Pinsker, Heather Gillers and Ashlea Ebeling.
A: The BLS collects data for the consumer-price index and publishes the inflation rate. Analysts say it is unlikely inflation data would deviate wildly from actual price changes, but undermeasuring it would hit the pocketbooks of millions of people.
The tax code draws on the CPI to adjust dozens of provisions for inflation each year, including tax brackets, the standard deduction and the estate-tax threshold. Limits on contributions to retirement accounts, health-savings and healthcare flexible-spending accounts are also subject to inflation adjustments.
