German annual inflation probably accelerated more than expected in February, regional data from the states of Brandenburg and Saxony showed today.
Inflation in both states, two of six whose data are used to calculate a national figure, rose by 0.2 percentage points from January, as higher energy and food costs increased prices.
Annual inflation rates in Brandenburg and Saxony rose to 2.2 per cent and 1.7 per cent, respectively. The prediction was for German annual inflation to rise this month to 1.7 per cent from 1.6 per cent in January.
The German states' data provide the first indication of wider price trends across the euro zone.
Month-on-month, consumer prices rose 0.5 per cent and 0.4 per cent in Brandenburg and Saxony, respectively - higher than the analysts' mid-range forecast for a 0.3 per cent jump.