China's rate of inflation eased in August, after hitting a three-year high in July, according to the National Statistics Bureau. Consumer prices in the world's second largest economy rose 6.2% from a year earlier, down from 6.5% in July.
Venezuelan July inflation, as measured by the national index INPC, came in on the high side of expectations at 2.7%, up from June.
Inflation in China was higher than expected in July, despite a series of efforts by the government to rein in prices. Consumer prices in July rose 6.5% compared with the same month last year, the National Bureau of Statistics said.
According to Argentina’s statistics office Indec consumer inflation was 0.7% pushed mostly by the cost of clothing. However private economic consulting offices estimate the index was double the official announcement.
Inflation in China has risen to its highest level for three years, despite a series of interest rate rises and curbs on bank lending. Prices in June rose 6.4% from a year earlier, well above the rate for May.
The European Central Bank (ECB) decided on Thursday to raise interest rates to 1.5% from 1.25% in an attempt to cool inflation in the 17-nation Euro zone. ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet said that inflation, now 2.7%, was likely to remain clearly above the ECB 2% target over the coming months.
China has increased its main interest rates for the third time this year to try to curb inflation. Chinese central bank, the People's Bank of China, said its one-year lending rate would rise to 6.56% from 6.31% and its one-year deposit rate to 3.5% from 3.25%.
Uruguay consumer prices increased 0.35% in June, completing 8.61% in the last twelve months, which remains above the Central bank target of 4% to 6%, and the latest estimate of 7.8% presented last week by the Executive in its additional budget report to Congress.
Fresh evidence shows that Chinese local governments commit the same sins as their counterparts in South America and even Spain, where most provinces, states and regional autonomies traditionally pile billions of dollars in debt that following some political arrangement are finally bailed out by the central government.
Central banks need to start raising interest rates to control inflation and may have to act faster than in the past according to the Bank of International Settlements.