Italy: Inflation rises to an over one-year high in August
According to provisional data released by the National Statistical Institute (ISTAT) on 31 August, consumer prices increased 0.5% month-on-month in August, up from July’s 0.3% rise. The figure was primarily driven by higher prices for services related to transport due to seasonal factors, which were partially offset by lower prices for restaurants and hotels. Meanwhile, inflation came in at 1.7% in August, up from 1.5% in July and the highest figure since April 2017.
Core consumer prices, which exclude more volatile categories such as unprocessed food and energy, grew 0.6% over the prior month in August, above the 0.2% rise recorded in July. Meanwhile, core inflation inched up to 0.9% in August from July’s 0.7%; while harmonized inflation ticked down to 1.7% (July: 1.8%).