September 12, 2017 - 1:42 AM
LONDON - Official figures show that inflation in Britain spiked up to 2.9 per cent in the year to August, more than anticipated in the markets.
The Office for National Statistics said Tuesday that the increase from the previous month's 2.6 per cent rate was largely due to rising prices for clothing and motor fuels.
The scale of the increase was not expected — the consensus in the markets was that inflation would increase to 2.8 per cent.
Inflation is now well above the Bank of England's target of 2 per cent, which is likely to stoke speculation that the central bank may raise interest rates sooner rather than later to keep a lid on price pressures in the economy. However, policymakers are expected to keep interest rates on hold at their meeting on Thursday.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017