The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has remained at 1.8%, surprising economists who expectd a drop to as much as 1.5%. AT the same time, the Retail Price Index (RPI) has actually risen to -1.4% from -1.6%.

In order to maintain price and economic stability, the Bank of England targets a 2% inflation rate so this will be welcome news and could indicate that deflationary pressures are easing.

This will be good news to home owners and property investors worried about the value of their properties - though it may take some time to filter into the housing market and is not yet considered a trend.