Italy: Inflation jumps in May
May 31, 2018
According to provisional data released by the National Statistical Institute (ISTAT) on 31 May, consumer prices rose 0.4% on a monthly basis in May, up from a 0.1% increase in April. The figure mainly reflected higher prices for food and alcoholic beverages, transport—mainly affected by higher non-regulated energy prices—and accommodation and food services. These increases were partially offset by lower prices for communications and culture. Meanwhile, inflation came in at 1.1% in May, above the previous month’s 0.5% print and the highest figure in eight months.
Core consumer prices, which exclude more volatile categories such as unprocessed food and energy, grew 0.1% in May month-on-month, below April’s 0.1% rise. Meanwhile, core inflation was 0.8% in May, up from April’s 0.5%. Finally, harmonized inflation came in at 1.1% (April: 0.6%).
Italy Inflation Forecast
FocusEconomics Consensus Forecast panelists expect inflation of 1.4% in 2018, which is unchanged from last month’s projection. For 2019, panelists expect inflation to average 1.5%.
