The market consensus was for inflation to remain stuck at 2.6 per cent, but the risks were very much tilted to the upside. And if there had been a big miss, some commentators feared that the sell-off in gilts could have turned ugly.
UNDER-pressure Rachel Reeves was given a glimmer of hope as inflation fell — raising interest rate cut hopes. The Chancellor saw inflation sink 0.1 per cent to 2.5 per cent in December, the drop
By Suban Abdulla and David Milliken LONDON (Reuters) -British inflation slowed unexpectedly last month and core measures of price growth - tracked by the Bank of England - fell more sharply, according to official data that will be welcomed by Finance Minister Rachel Reeves after a market selloff.
Slower UK inflation relieves pressure on Rachel Reeves as financial markets calm - The cost of Government borrowing eased on Wednesday morning in a tentative sign of relief among traders after more heightened economic concerns.
December's inflation dip was a rare piece of positive financial news, but don't get used to it. Prices will be rising soon enough.
A fall in December's CPI inflation of 0.1 percentage points to 2.5% is marginal, but by being below expectations it delivered an above-expectations boost to Rachel Reeves. The chancellor has been under intense scrutiny for the last week as UK borrowing costs have risen (in line with US and European peers) and the value of the pound has fallen.
The removal vans can be cancelled, and the shortlist of potential successors can stop measuring up the curtains at Number 11 Downing Street. With today’s figures showing a slightly larger than expected fall in inflation,
A reprieve for the UK gilts market will be welcome after a torrid week.
Unexpected figures released this morning suggested that the rate of inflation had decreased, but investors have been warned not to be complacent
Falling inflation and borrowing costs are good news for the Chancellor but the Budget watchdog will not make a call on market conditions until next month
In November, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) came in at 2.6 per cent, where petrol, train travel, and live entertainment pushed up prices.
The inflation figures come amid a sell-off in the gilt market, which has raised doubts about the government's fiscal plans.