Euro-zone inflation dips with services sector leading the decline

Published 03/03/2025, 11:26
© Shutterstock

Investing.com -- The Euro-zone witnessed a decrease in headline inflation in February, largely driven by a drop in services inflation.

The headline rate is expected to stay slightly above 2% for most of this year, with services inflation predicted to continue its downward trajectory.

The inflation rate in the Euro-zone fell from 2.5% in January to 2.4% in February, a slight deviation from the consensus and the forecast of 2.3%. Categories such as food, alcohol, and tobacco saw an unexpected inflation rise from 2.3% to 2.7%.

The core inflation rate also experienced a minor decrease, going from 2.7% to 2.6%, which was a smaller reduction than the anticipated forecast of 2.5%.

However, the most noteworthy observation for ECB policymakers was the fall in services inflation from 3.9% to a 10-month low of 3.7%, in line with forecasts.

Looking ahead, Capital Economics anticipates that the headline inflation will hover near its present level for the upcoming quarters, due to a slight increase in energy inflation and food inflation remaining above 2%.

Yet, they believe the decline in services inflation observed in February marks the beginning of a trend that will significantly lower the core rate this year.

In the view of Capital Economics, this could lead to the European Central Bank (ECB) reducing interest rates more than what is currently expected by most.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.