Shock Jump in UK Inflation Pressures BOE Before Decision

  • Food and drink prices are rising at fastest pace in 45 years
  • Pound jumps as figures solidify case for further rate rises

The UK’s consumer prices Index rose 10.4% in February.

Photographer: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg
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UK inflation rose unexpectedly for the first time in four months after food and drink prices soared at the fastest pace in 45 years.

The Consumer Prices Index rose 10.4% in February after a 10.1% gain the month before, the Office for National Statistics said Wednesday. Economists had expected the reading to fall back into single digits.