Index numbers of price and quantity play an important role in the index-linking of government loans. The object of this study is to ascertain what formulae should be used in the construction of new index numbers to replace those known to produce biased measures of price and volume change.

A theft amounting to £1 was a capital offence in 1260 and a judge in 1610 affirmed the law could not then be applied since £1 was no longer what it was. Such association of money with a date is well recognized for its importance in very many connections. Thus arises the need to know how to convert an amount at one date into the right amount at another date: in other words, a price index. The longstanding question concerning how such an index should be constructed is known as 'The Index Number Problem'. The ordinary consumer price index represents a practical response to this need. However the search for a true price index has given rise to extensive thought and theory to which an impressive number of economists have each contributed a word, or volume. However, there have been hold-ups at a basic level, which are addressed in this book. The approach brings the subject into involvement with utility construction on the basis of finite data, in a form referred to as 'Afriat's Theorem' but now with utility subject to constant (and also possibly approximate) returns.

Compiled to meet the needs of students and professionals in economics, finance, accountancy and business, this wide-ranging, international Dictionary is for everyone who wants an up-to-date resource to the world of economics. Key Features over 4200 comprehensive A to Z entries, from after-hours to z-score, provide clear, definitive explanations of the key terms, issues, theories and concepts in economics today - as well as describing the contributions of key figures in the field each entry is headed by a short definition for quick reference, and where relevant, followed by an annotated bibliography to lead the reader to further sources cross-referenced for ease of access the full range of subjects is covered, from classical economics and the study of value and growth, to contemporary concerns such as European Union and Green conditionality detailed coverage of vital econometric terms and statistics including entries such as eigenprices and M0 includes specialised commercial and financial jargon illustrated with 94 line diagrams unique subject index for ease of access