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Base Period

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Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Base Period'

A particular time period for which data is gathered and used as a benchmark against which economic data from other periods is measured.

Also referred to as "reference period."
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Base Period'

Think of this as a yardstick for economic data. For example, if a price index has a base year of 1990, current prices are being compared to prices in that time period.

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