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CAPACITY UTILIZATION - ratio of actual production levels to the maximum possible production level, expressed as a percentage. The Federal Reserve Board publishes capacity utilization figures monthly for individual industries and for the overall economy.

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX - (CPI) Department of Labor monthly index reflecting changes in the cost of living. Food, housing, and transportation account for about 80% of the value of the index, which measures the level of inflation at the consumer level.

CYCLICAL STOCK - stocks of companies with earnings that are closely tied to changes in the overall economy.