UK Core Inflation Holds at 2.6% for 4th Month

The UK's annual core inflation rate remained at 2.6% in August 2026, unchanged for the fourth consecutive month and staying at its highest level since March, in line with market expectations. Services inflation was steady at 3.4%, while goods inflation accelerated (2.7% vs 2.2% in July). On a monthly basis, core consumer prices rose 0.3%, up from a 0.2% increase in July.

The UK's annual core inflation rate remained at 2.6% in July 2026, unchanged for the third consecutive month. It stayed at its highest level since March and slightly above market expectations of 2.5%. The annual rate for CPI goods accelerated (2.2% vs 1.7% in June), while CPI services inflation eased (3.4% vs 3.6%). On a monthly basis, core consumer prices rose 0.2%, slowing from 0.3% increases in both June and May and marking the softest monthly reading since January.

The UK's annual core inflation rate held steady at 2.6% in June 2026, matching May's reading and remaining at its highest level since March. The latest figure came in slightly above market expectations of 2.5%, despite easing price pressures in both core goods (1.7% vs. 2.0% in May) and core services (3.6% vs. 3.7%). On a monthly basis, core consumer prices rose 0.3%, unchanged from May, staying at the softest monthly increase since January.