Italy: Inflation ticks up in October on higher energy prices
October 31, 2018
According to provisional data released by the National Statistical Institute (ISTAT) on 31 October, consumer prices remained unchanged month-on-month in October, following September’s 0.5% drop. The figure reflected higher energy prices being offset by lower prices for services related to transport, and recreation and culture—mainly attributable to seasonal factors. Meanwhile, inflation came in at 1.6% in October, above September’s 1.4% print.
Core consumer prices, which exclude more volatile categories such as unprocessed food and energy, dropped 0.3% month-on-month in October, a smaller fall than September’s 0.7% decline. Meanwhile, core inflation inched up to 0.8% in October from September’s 0.7%, and harmonized inflation rose to 1.7% from the previous month’s 1.5%.