Tag Archive: Consumer Prices Index

  1. The Spring Budget Background

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    A year ago, nobody – including Mr Osborne – expected the 2014 Budget to be set against such a relatively benign economic background for the UK. In March 2013 the talk was of a triple dip recession, as the country had just recorded a contraction of 0.3% in the final quarter of 2012.  Inflation, as measured by the February 2013 Consumer Prices Index (CPI), was running at 2.8% and had been above its 2% target since December 2009.  In Europe the latest round of the Eurozone crisis was taking place, with Cyprus becoming the fifth EU member to seek a bailout. All in all, it was not a pleasant economic backdrop against which to present another austerity-as-she-goes Budget that promised a further £100bn+ government deficit for the coming year. (more…)

  2. The Markets

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    UK INFLATION FALLS TO 2% TARGET RATE!

    The UK’s inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index, fell to 2% in December, down from 2.1% the month before.

    It is the first time inflation has been at or below the government-set target of 2% since November 2009. (more…)

  3. The Markets

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    Much like school children trying to capture the attention of someone they have a crush on, the economy sent lots of mixed signals last week.

    The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) grew by 2.4% in the year to April 2013, down from 2.8% in March.  By far the largest downward contribution came from transport costs (notably motor fuels and air fares).  The only notable upward contribution came from price movements for food & non-alcoholic beverages.  This is the first time that the growth in inflation has slowed since Autumn 2012. Over the last six months, the CPI 12-month rate has been particularly stable.

    (more…)