German inflation below target

BERLIN: Inflation in Germany hit its lowest level since December 2010 in June, helped by softer energy pressures in Europe’s top economy, according to new official data.

Prices rose by 1.7% last month compared with the same period in 2011, the federal statistic office Destatis said, well below the European Central Bank’s target of “close to, but below 2%.” Household energy prices and motor fuel prices both rose, it said. – AFP