United Kingdom: Inflation ticks up marginally in February
Consumer prices rose 0.5% in February over the previous month, contrasting January’s 0.8% decline. February’s reading was underpinned by higher prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages; clothing and footwear; and furniture, household equipment and maintenance.
Inflation inched up from 1.8% in January to 1.9% in February but remained marginally below the Bank of England’s (BoE) 2.0% target. Core inflation—which excludes food and energy costs—was also slightly below 2.0%.
Looking ahead, inflation is likely to stay close to the BoE’s target, with the tight labor market providing upward pressure. The outcome of the Brexit process is a key risk to the inflation outlook, as a no-deal Brexit could lead to a sharp currency depreciation and fan price pressures, even in the face of weaker domestic demand.