THE LATEST inflation data should mark the beginning of a disinflationary trend, according to Standard Bank economist, Monica Ambrosi. In December, the headline consumer price index (CPI) eased to 14.4% year-on-year (y/y) from November’s 14.5%. The Reserve Bank’s targeted consumer inflation measure, CPIX, slowed from 12.7% to 12.5%. “While inflation remains at a 10-year high,” said Ambrosi, “it is showing definite signs of slowing - and this bodes well for the domestic interest rate outlook.”
