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The UK inflation rate has gone up for a second month in a row with figures hitting 2.6% in the year to November.

According to official figures, fuel and clothing were among the main driver behind the rise as well as increasing ticket prices for gigs and plays.

Analysts are also predicting that the Bank of England will hold interest rates at its current level of 4.75% at a meeting later today, due to the rise of inflation.

Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which gathered the data, said: "Inflation rose again this month as prices of motor fuel and clothing increased this year but fell a year ago.

"This was partially offset by air fares, which traditionally dip at this time of year, but saw their largest drop in November since records began at the start of the century."

The latest figures have pushed above the Bank of England's targets of 2% which suggests the bank may need to hold interest rates at their current level for longer.

Paul Dales, chief UK economist at the think tank, Capital Economics, said: "There is almost no chance of the Bank of England delivering an early Christmas present with another interest rate cut.

"That's especially the case since domestic inflation pressures appear to be a touch stronger than the Bank expected."

FTSE 100

The UK's flagship share index, the FTSE 100, was up four-points at 8,199 shortly after opening this morning.

Brent crude oil futures were up 0.01%, trading at $72.95 a barrel.

Companies reporting today

Serco Group

Trading Statement


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