(ANSA) - Rome, July 29 - Price deflation slowed in Italy in
July, with an annual inflation rate of -0.1%, compared to -0.4%
in June, according to preliminary data released by Istat on
Friday.
The national statistics agency said that, in
month-on-month terms, its consumer price index rose 0.2% in July
compared to June.
Low or negative inflation is seen as a threat to recovery
prospects.
The Italian economy, which returned to positive growth
in 2015 after years of recession, also endured periods of
deflation both in 2015 and in 2014.
Istat said that its annual index for the prices of the
most frequently bought everyday goods, such as food and
household items, was 0.4% up in July, compared to 0.2% in June,
according to a preliminary estimate.
Italy's 'deflation rate slows to -0.1% (2)
Negative inflation stood at -0.4% in June