The Czech National Bank have commented on the September CPI figures. Highlights below:
- Annual inflation fell further to 2.3% in September (from 2.5% in August), its lowest level since April this year. This was lower than our forecast (2.6%).
- We expect inflation to remain close to recent values for the rest of the year.
- Given the persisting elevated core inflation, there are still reasons for a cautious monetary policy approach.
- Repeated fluctuations in the inflation rate this year are largely caused by food and beverage prices.
- We do not expect any further significant slowdown in food price growth for the rest of the year.
- Volatile items helped lower headline inflation, but core inflation was unchanged at 2.8%.
- The evolution of core inflation shows that overall price developments in the domestic economy have not yet fully stabilised and require tight monetary conditions.
Full release here.