MNI BRIEF: EZ Inflation Expectations Inch Lower In September

Eurozone consumer inflation expectations for the next 12 months decreased to 2.7% in September from 2.8% in August, according to an ECB survey on Tuesday.

Expectations for inflation three years ahead were unchanged at 2.5%, the Consumer Expectations Survey showed, as were those for five years ahead, which remained unchanged at 2.2%.The perceived rate of inflation over the previous 12 months was unchanged at 3.1% for the eighth consecutive month, versus Eurostat's headline inflation measure of 2.2% in September. (See MNI PODCAST: ECB Economist Sees Resilient Consumers )

The data will do little to sway ECB policymakers' thinking ahead of their meeting this week, but will underpin their view that inflation is at target and expectations are well anchored. (See MNI SOURCES: ECB In 'Wait And See' Mode, Risks Still Tilt Down