Singapore's October core inflation rate seen steady vs September: Reuters poll

[SINGAPORE] Singapore's annual core inflation and headline consumer inflation in October probably held level against September, a seven-month low, a Reuters poll showed.

The all-items consumer price index (CPI) in October likely rose 0.6 per cent from a year earlier, according to the median forecast in a Reuters survey of 10 economists.

That would be unchanged from September's pace, which was the lowest since February's 0.4 per cent rise.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore's core inflation gauge, which excludes changes in the price of cars and accommodation and is the focus for monetary policy, was seen likely to have risen 1.9 per cent in October from a year earlier. That would also match a seven-month low recorded in September.

Singapore's headline consumer inflation has eased this year due to a moderation in housing costs and car prices. Core inflation has been higher by comparison due to wage cost pressures from a tight labour market.

REUTERS