Hong Kong inflation accelerated in March, data published by the Census and Statistics Department showed Tuesday.
Overall composite consumer prices rose 4.5 percent in March from a year ago, faster than the average rate of 4.3 percent in January and February. It was forecast to rise marginally to 4.4 percent in March.
The average rate of increase in January and February is taken into account to neutralize the effect caused by different timing of the Lunar New Year between two years.
The underlying inflation rate came in at 2.8 percent, larger than the average rate of 2.6 percent in January and February, largely reflecting smaller decreases in the charges for package tours.
Looking ahead, a government spokesman said upside risks to inflation should remain limited in the near term given the low global inflation and modest growth pace of the local economy.
The government will continue to monitor the inflation developments closely, particularly its impact on the lower-income people.
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