UK inflation unexpectedly eases in December, which could reduce pressure in bond markets

Inflation in the U.K. unexpectedly fell in December, a move that will likely fuel pressure on the Bank of England to cut interest rates again next month. The Office for National Statistics said Wednesday that inflation, as measured by the consumer prices index, was 2.5% in the year to December. That was down from 2.6% the previous month. Economists had expected no change in the annual rate. Though inflation has fallen, it remains above the Bank of England’s target of 2%. If the Bank of England decides to cut its main interest rate from 4.75%, it could well ease the pressure in British government bond markets, which have been volatile in recent weeks.