Inflation

A dramatic shift in the outlook for interest rates has been seen with money market indicators now pricing in a base rate rise in the UK to 0.75% in two years' time rather than three.

UK CPI inflation rose from 2.4% to 2.7% in May, according to the Office for National Statistics, a larger than expected rise driven by transport and clothing costs.

MULTI-ASSET

UK CPI inflation has fallen to 2.4% in April, a larger-than-expected drop from the 2.8% figure recorded in March.

Outgoing Bank of England Governor Sir Mervyn King has urged successor Mark Carney not to spell out how long interest rates will remain low when he takes charge.

The final Inflation Report of governor Mervyn King's term has seen the Bank of England revise up growth forecasts but caution inflation will still likely peak above 3% this year.

Investors are struggling to find ways to beat inflation in the UK, with savings accounts paying virtually nothing and bond yields squeezed by demand, but there are a number of funds out there which can deliver for investors.

UK consumer prices index (CPI) inflation remained unchanged at 2.8% in the year to March, after a slight rise during February.

Investors flocked to buy index-linked gilts in a Debt Management Office(DMO) auction yesterday, despite real yields being the lowest since the bonds were first offered in the early 1980s.

Chinese and wider Asia stock markets were boosted today by better than expected inflation data from China.