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Pound at 10-month low as inflation holds steady at 2.4% in June

The pound has hit a 10-month low versus the dollar after the latest inflation figures were seen as damaging the case for a UK rate rise next month.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the consumer prices index (CPI) measure of inflation remained static at 2.4% in June.

The figure was a surprise as economists were predicting a lift to 2.6% because of higher oil costs - a scenario that would have bolstered expectations of a rise in interest rates by the Bank of England next month.

Sterling - already weakened amid political turmoil over the government's Brexit blueprint - fell by 0.7% against the dollar to just above $1.30 as investors registered their disappointment with the core inflation number.

The ONS said discounting by retailers helped offset rising energy costs.

Mike Hardie, its head of inflation, explained: "Consumers have been feeling the benefit of the summer clothing sales, and computer game prices have also fallen.

"However, gas and electricity and petrol prices all rose, with consumers seeing the highest price at the pump for nearly four years, with inflation remaining steady overall."

The ONS noted the largest decline in clothing costs - particularly for men - for June since 2012 of 2.3% as summer sales got underway.

It also noted a 0.6% year-on-year reduction in food costs.

Ahead of this week, financial markets saw an 80% chance of the Bank of England raising rates in August because of strong evidence the first quarter slowdown for the economy was a bad weather-inspired blip.

Support for a hike on the monetary policy committee (MPC) rose in June when a 6-3 vote in favour of no change was recorded.

However, the political crisis for Theresa May's government, lower-than-expected inflation figure and the fact wage growth is falling back may jangle nerves among policymakers that the time is not right for an increase borrowing costs.

Ruth Gregory, senior UK economist at Capital Economics, said: "While the lower-than-expected rate of inflation in June means that a hike in interest rates in August is a little less clear cut, we nonetheless think that it remains more likely than not."

She (Munich: SOQ.MU - news) added: "Lower inflation might make it easier for the MPC to raise rates as it will relieve the pressure on consumers' incomes."

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