The Central Bank of BiH has estimated the annual core inflation for the first nine months of this year at 4.33 percent, while average prices in the services sector rose by 4.59 percent.
As stated by the Central Bank of BiH (CBBiH) in a press release, this estimate was derived from official statistical data regarding consumer price indices in BiH and their respective weightings. It is nearly identical to the preliminary estimate prepared by the Central Bank in September, with a difference of only 0.01 percentage points.
Core inflation excludes prices subject to sharp fluctuations – such as those for energy and food – and is therefore used as an indicator of long-term price trends. According to the CBBiH estimate, core inflation stood at 4.36 percent for the first eight months, indicating a slight slowdown in September.
The Central Bank notes that both core inflation and inflation within the services sector remained at levels similar to those seen last year during the first nine months. In their assessment, this confirms that domestic inflationary pressures remain present.
Overall inflation is currently significantly influenced by external factors – primarily rising energy prices on the international market – which are spilling over into prices within BiH.
The estimate is based on data from the Agency for Statistics of BiH and the Central Bank of BiH.
