economy
January 21, 2026
UK inflation rises to 3.4% in December, above forecasts
The U.K. inflation rate rose to 3.4% in December, above forecasts of 3.3% from economists polled by Reuters.

TL;DR
- UK inflation rose to 3.4% in December, up from 3.2% in November.
- Increases were driven by higher tobacco and airfare prices, and rising food costs.
- Core inflation remained unchanged at 3.2% in December.
- The rise in inflation may cast doubt on the Bank of England's expected February interest rate cut.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves expects inflation to cool towards the 2% target later in the year.
- Analysts suggest the Bank of England may hold interest rates longer due to mixed economic signals.
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