Latvia: Inflation at an over one-year low in January
February 12, 2018
In January, consumer prices remained unchanged from the previous month, following December’s 0.1% month-on-month increase. According to Latvia’s Central Statistical Bureau, 5 out of the 12 components of the index deteriorated. Prices for clothing and footwear, which were affected by seasonal sales, and education recorded the biggest decreases. On the other hand, the largest increase was recorded in prices for furnishing, largely due to ending sales.
Inflation came in at an over one-year low of 2.0% in January, down from 2.2% in December. Consequently, average annual inflation remained dropped from 2.9% in December to 2.8%.
Harmonized consumer prices also declined 0.1% month-on-month in January, following a flat reading in December. Meanwhile, HICP inflation came in at a one-year low of 2.0% in January, below 2.2% in December. Thus, average HICP inflation came in at 2.8% in January, down from December’s 2.9%.
Latvia Inflation Forecast
FocusEconomics Consensus Forecast panelists expect HICP inflation to average 2.4% in 2018, which is up 0.1 percentage points from last month’s projection. For 2019, the panel expects HICP inflation to average 2.5%.
