Investing.com -
Euro zone inflation rose at a slower than expected rate in December, adding to a headache for the European Central Bank
The annual rate of inflation rose just 0.2% in December, matching November’s reading and falling short of forecasts for an increase of 0.3%
The ECB targets annual inflation of close to, but just below 2%
Lower energy costs were the largest factor contributing to low inflation, with annual energy costs down 5.9%
Core inflation, which strips out food and energy costs rose 0.9% in December, below forecasts for 1.0%
The data adds to pressure on the ECB to act further to boost the struggling euro area economy
The central bank disappointed markets last month with its attempts to revive the economy, which were less comprehensive than hoped