Labour Research (October 2004)

Pay and prices

Higher interest raises RPI

Higher mortgage interest payments pushed inflation up to 3.2% in August from 3.0% in July. Dearer furniture also had an impact on the Retail Price Index.

The Consumer Prices Index (CPI), which excludes housing costs, went down to 1.3% from 1.4% the previous month. Slower growth in clothing and footwear prices compared to last year was the main factor.


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