Consumer prices in Slovakia increased in January by 1.0%. Year-on-year inflation decreased to 3.0% from 4.2% in December last year.
Slovakia’s balance of trade slumped to deficit of SKK 12.5bn in December. For the whole last year deficit reached SKK 92.1bn SKK and previous year it reached SKK 76.3bn. Exports increased by 24.2% while imports by 23.9%.
European Central Bank left its interest rates unchanged again. Its 2-week repo rate remains on 3.5%. ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet stated that because of continuing pressure it is necessary to remain very cautious, i.e. rates are to increase yet.
Bank of England left its interest rates unchanged as well and its key rate remains on 5.25%. Bank’s governor Mervyn King is expecting inflation decrease thanks to cheaper gas.