German Inflation Picks Up in November, Beating Forecasts

FRANKFURT – Inflation in Europe's largest economy picked up in November, topping forecasts and led by rising prices for energy and food.

Germany's annual inflation rate--measured by harmonized European Union standards--rose to 1.8% from 1.5% in October, the Federal Statistical Office said Wednesday.

Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had forecast an increase to 1.7%.

The rise brings Germany's annual inflation rate in line with the European Central Bank's target. The ECB aims to keep inflation in the eurozone at just below 2%.

The statistics office said that energy prices in Germany rose 3.7% from November 2016, while food prices increased 3.2%.

Write to Nina Adam at nina.adam@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 29, 2017 08:21 ET (13:21 GMT)