Euro-Zone Inflation Fluctuations Test ECB as It Weighs Smaller Hike
- Data will be released 48 hours before Frankfurt decision
- Outcome for underlying gauge may prove critical for officials
A shopper pulls a trolley bag past past fruit and vegetable stalls in the Bauveau Market in Paris, France.
Photographer: Cyril Marcilhacy/BloombergThe slowdown in euro-zone inflation probably reversed course this month while an underlying measure may have weakened, presenting the European Central Bank with conflicting signs just before its key decision.
The headline rate of price growth quickened slightly for the first time in half a year, reaching 7%, according to the median of 33 estimates in a Bloomberg survey. The forecasts show the core gauge — stripping out volatile elements such as energy — probably fell.