Germany enters first deflationary period in five years

Inflation fell below zero for the first time since October 2009, according to preliminary estimates from statistics agency Destatis, as prices dropped by 0.3% in the year to January. Analysts had expected deflation - but not at this pace, according to the Telegraph. A poll suggested that prices would fall by 0.2% in the period. Final results for January will be published on 12 February. Falling oil prices has lowered inflation pressures across the globe, including in Germany. But core inflation, which strips out energy and food, also likely fell, economists said. The negative...