Latest data released by ONS - 20 March 2019

  • Prior -0.8%
  • CPI +1.9% vs +1.8% y/y expected
  • Prior +1.8%
  • Core CPI +1.8% vs +1.9% y/y expected
  • Prior +1.9%

More or less in-line with estimates though notably there is a slight dip in the core reading. That said, it's not going to matter all too much with Brexit developments still being the key driver for the pound currently.

Looking into details, ONS notes that a modest rise in food, alcohol and tobacco prices are offset by a smaller rise in clothing and footwear than they did a year ago. Other than that, there isn't much else to really gather from the release here.

Some other details on the day as producer price and retail price figures are released:

  • PPI output +0.1% vs +0.1% m/m expected
  • PPI output +2.2% vs +2.2% y/y expected
  • PPI input +0.6% vs +0.6% m/m expected
  • PPI input +3.7% vs +4.1% y/y expected
  • RPI +0.7% vs +0.7% m/m expected
  • RPI +2.4% vs +2.5% y/y expected
  • January HPI +1.7% vs +2.4% y/y expected