Germany December Inflation Eases More Than Forecast

(RTTNews) - Germany's EU harmonized inflation weakened more-than-expected in December, latest data revealed Monday.

The harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP), measured under the EU methodology, increased 1.2 percent in December from the corresponding month of last year, following a 1.6 percent gain in November. Economists had forecast a 1.4 percent growth for December.

On a monthly basis, the HICP moved up 0.5 percent in December, faster than the 0.2 percent gain seen in November. Expectations were for a 0.7 percent gain.

The statistical office further noted that inflation as per the consumer price index accelerated to 1.4 percent in December from 1.3 percent a month earlier. The outcome matched expectations.

The consumer price index edged up 0.4 percent compared to November, when it registered a 0.2 percent increase. The monthly growth rate matched expectations.

In the whole of 2013, the HICP increased on average 1.6 percent from the 2012 level. At the same time, the consumer price index rose 1.5 percent last year.