UK inflation data put strong pressure on sterling

According to trading data, the pound sterling is declining against the dollar on Wednesday afternoon after the release of inflation statistics in the UK. The current quote of the British currency is 1.3748.

The British Bureau of National Statistics reported that annual inflation slowed to 3.1% in September (from 3.2% in August). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.3% in September after rising 0.7% in August. Analysts expected annual inflation at 3.2%, monthly – 0.4%.

At the same time, the CPIH index (inflation taking into account homeowners' expenses for housing maintenance) amounted to 2.9% at the end of September, after 3% a month earlier. For the month, prices for this index increased by 0.3% after an increase of 0.6% in August.

According to experts, increased inflation could prompt the Bank of England to significantly tighten its policy, which would have a positive impact on the pound. However, now this factor may lose its significance. It is noted that in practice, inflation causes the Bank of England a «headache», especially in combination with the current high energy prices.