Food and non-alcoholic beverages (25.1% of the total weight), transportation (13.6%), housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels (10.2%), and clothing and footwear (9%), are the primary components of the consumer price index in Ecuador. Among the industries represented are restaurants and hotels (which account for 6.8%), education (6.78%), furniture and household equipment (6.1%), and health care (6%). Recreation and culture (5.9%), other goods and services (5.2%), communications (4.4%), and alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics (0.9%) are among the other categories. As of 2004, the national index has a 100-point starting point. Price and spending patterns in eight typical cities, which account for 67.44% of the country’s urban population, are reflected in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The eight cities include Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Machala, Esmeraldas, Manta, Ambato, and Loja.
A higher than expected figure should be seen as positive (bullish) for the USD while a lower than expected figure should be seen as negative (bearish) for the USD.
