UK inflation unexpectedly jumps to 10.4% in February

All eyes on Bank of England interest rate decision

Cristian Angeloni
clock • 3 min read

UK inflation unexpectedly increased to 10.4% in February after three months of decline, increasing pressure on the Bank of England to plough ahead with interest rates rises.

The Consumer Prices Index grew from 10.1% in January, while the consumer price index including owner occupiers' housing costs (CIPH) rose to 9.2% in February, up from 8.8% a month prior, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The ONS said the increases were largely attributed to rises in housing and household services - in particular fuel, gas and electricity prices - as well as food and non-alcoholic beverages. Housing costs accounted for 16% of the CPIH and are the "main drivers for differences between the CPIH and CPI", the ONS added. Meanwhile, food an...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

OBR 'deeply regrets' early release of Budget document

OBR 'deeply regrets' early release of Budget document

Mistaken release of Budget documents forced Richard Hughes' resignation

Linus Uhlig
clock 02 December 2025 • 3 min read
Starmer defends government's Autumn Budget amid controversy

Starmer defends government's Autumn Budget amid controversy

Claims Reeves ‘misled’ the cabinet about the ‘reality’ of OBR forecasts

Isabel Baxter
clock 01 December 2025 • 3 min read
OBR chair says leak could have come from 'external person'

OBR chair says leak could have come from 'external person'

OBR faces scrutiny after key document shared before Budget

Jen Frost
clock 27 November 2025 • 2 min read