Good News for UK Economy: Inflation Rate Drops More Than Expected, Geeza!
Alright, listen up, blokes and birds, 'cause we've got some cracking news for you lot! The inflation rate in the UK has only gone and fallen more than expected in January, meaning the Bank of England can chill out a bit, you get me? The Office for National Statistics says that the annual consumer price inflation rate dropped to 10.1%, which is the lowest it's been since September.
Now, this could mean that hefty interest rate hikes are less likely to happen soon. But don't get too excited yet, 'cause inflation in the UK is still higher than in the United States or Eurozone, and there are still some constraints on the economy due to Brexit and labor shortages.
But here's the good bit, fam. The slowdown in inflation was thanks to cooling price pressure in areas that the Bank of England keeps a close eye on, like transport and hospitality prices. It's a win-win situation for households and investors, ain't it?
Although the rate of inflation for food and non-alcoholic drinks has slowed down a bit, it's still sky-high for poorer households. So, they'll still be facing higher living costs than their richer counterparts. That's not right, is it?
Most economists are predicting a quarter-of-a-percentage-point raise next month, with a further rate hike of 0.25 percentage points expected in March. So, keep an eye on that, my mates.
That's it from me for now, folks. Keep calm and carry on.