Italy: Inflation comes in at highest level since August 2008 in December
Consumer prices increased 0.38% from the previous month in December, below the 0.57% increase logged in November. December’s result marked the weakest reading since September. The softer rise was largely driven by slower growth in prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages. In addition, prices for utilities grew at a more subdued pace.
Inflation came in at 3.9% in December, which was up from November’s 3.7%. December’s figure represented the highest inflation rate since August 2008. Annual average inflation rose to 1.9% in December (November: 1.5%). Finally, harmonized inflation rose to 4.2% in December, from the previous month’s 3.9%.