LONDON — U.K. inflation picked up sharply to a higher-than-expected 2.3% in October, data from the British Office for National Statistics showed Wednesday.
The hike marks a sharp increase from the 1.7% rise recorded in September and exceeds the 2.2% forecast of economists polled by Reuters.
The latest print once again brings inflation above the Bank of England's 2% target, potentially dampening the prospects of a final interest rate cut this year.
Core inflation, which excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, came in at 3.3% for the month, up slightly from 3.2% in September.
The uptick was anticipated in part due to an increase in the regulator-set energy price cap that took effect in October, which is expected to lead to higher energy price inflation over the colder winter months.
Persons:
Price
Organizations:
British Office, National Statistics, Reuters, Bank of England's, Institute of Chartered Accountants
Locations:
England, Wales