(ANSA-AFP) - FRANKFURT, MAR 31 - Germany's inflation rate
inched downwards in March, preliminary data showed Monday, but
analysts warned that trade tensions could fuel faster consumer
price rises in the near future. Annual inflation in Europe's
largest economy was 2.2 percent in March, federal statistics
agency Destatis said, down from 2.3 percent the previous month.
Analysts surveyed by financial data firm FactSet had expected a
rate of 2.1 percent. Falling energy prices and a strong euro
relative to the dollar contributed to the fall, said Stephanie
Schoenwald, economist at public lender KfW. The single
currency's strength meant exports into Germany were cheaper. But
a potential "customs conflict" between the United States and
Europe could strongly influence price growth in the future,
Schoenwald said. (ANSA-AFP).
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