BRC: UK retailers raise prices at fastest pace since 2012

According to the latest report published by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the UK retailers hiked their prices to the highest levels in more than nine years in January as firms pass on soaring food, fuel and transportation costs amid spreading inflation.

Key takeaways

"The strain on profit margins meant prices will almost certainly climb further in the coming months."

“Retailers are working hard to cut costs, but it would be impossible to protect consumers from any future rises.”

“As commodity prices, energy prices and transportation costs continue to rise, it is inevitable that retail prices will continue to follow in the future.”

“The BRC said prices rose 1.5% from a year earlier, almost double the pace registered in December. Food-price inflation climbed to 2.7%, but the biggest push came from non-food stores where prices rose 0.9% after falling 0.2% in the previous month,” per Bloomberg.

Market reaction

GBP/USD is sitting at weekly highs of 1.3530, awaiting the BOE decision for a fresh leg higher. The spot is trading almost unchanged on the day.