BRUSSELS (Alliance News) - Eurozone inflation slowed to 0.8% in December from 0.9% in November, preliminary data from Eurostat showed Tuesday. The rate was forecast to remain unchanged at 0.9%.
The European Central Bank aims at inflation rates of below, but close to, 2% over the medium term.
Data today showed that cost of food, alcohol and tobacco advanced 1.8% and that of services gained 1%. At the same time, energy prices remained flat in December.
Excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, core inflation eased to 0.7% from 0.9% in November. The statistical office will release a detailed report on January 16.
