Economic and financial indicators

摘要

Euro-area inflation fell unexpectedly to an annual rate of 2.5% in July. In June prices were 2.7% higher than a year earlier. The European Central Bank has twice raised interest rates this year to return inflation to its target of just under 2%.The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Italy fell sLightly to 8% in June, the lowest levelin more than a year. But the number of' people employed has not changed forthree months, suggesting the fallis due to a decline in jobseekers not stronger hi ring.