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European consumers are facing higher prices when going to the supermarket.<\/p>\n
Andia | Universal Images Group | Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Euro zone inflation edged higher to 2.1% in August, according to the latest flash data from statistics agency Eurostat on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Economists polled by Reuters had expected the rate to remain unchanged from July, at 2%.<\/p>\n
Core inflation, which strips out more volatile food, energy, alcohol and tobacco prices, was unchanged from 2.3% in July.<\/p>\n
The closely watched services print meanwhile was slightly lower in August, at 3.1% compared to 3.2% in July.<\/p>\n
At 2.1%, the euro zone’s latest inflation rate is just slightly higher than the European Central Bank’s target of 2%.<\/p>\n
The central bank held its key interest rate<\/a> at 2% in July and is expected to maintain that stance when it next meets in September, according to a majority of economists polled by Reuters.<\/p>\n The EU’s trade deal with the U.S.<\/a>, signed in late July, has removed uncertainty over tariffs although there are some concerns that the blanket 15% duty of EU exports to the States could still weigh on economic activity.<\/p>\n