Probe into inflation figures leak
SUSPICIONS that yesterday’s shock inflation figures were leaked prior to their release are being investigated by the government’s independent statistics office.
Economists widely anticipated consumer prices to have edged up to 4.6 per cent in March, yet the figure unexpectedly fell to four per cent.
While sterling dipped when the news was officially released at 9:30am BST, there were movements against the currency prior to that time, stoking rumours of a leak.
Sterling dropped to a low of $1.6265 shortly after 8am, while the euro rose to £0.8855 shortly after 9am.
The statistics office later claimed their initial investigation showed “no evidence of such a leak,” but said they are “continuing to review the situation.” The Financial Services Authority declined to comment.