Germany's inflation rate at 2.3% in February, in line with forecast

By Mucahithan Avcioglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - Germany's annual inflation rate was 2.3% in February, in line with the forecast, according to provisional data by Destatis on Friday.

Prices of energy products fell by 1.8% in February on a yearly basis, while food prices went up by 2.4%.

Prices for services soared 3.8% in February compared to a year ago.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices in February rose by 0.4% versus January.

The inflation rate excluding food and energy, often referred to as core inflation, was 2.6% in February annually and 0.6% monthly, both exceeding estimates.

The slowdown in inflation bolstered the case for further interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank.

The EU's second biggest economy, France, also posted a slowdown in inflation, with an annual inflation rate of 0.8%, a four-year low figure.

While US tariffs continue to cause uncertainties in global markets, the ECB is due to release its latest interest rate decision next week.