Italy's 'deflation rate' -0.1% in July (2)

(ANSA) - Rome, August 11 - Price deflation slowed in Italy in July, with an annual inflation rate of -0.1%, compared to -0.4% in June, Istat on Thursday, confirming its preliminary estimate.
    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.
    The agency said 16 mayor cities were enduring price deflation, including Milan, with prices down 0.6%, and Rome, down 0.2%.
    Istat said that its annual trolley 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.