Forecast for flash EZ CPI lifted to 1.6% - 1.7% post-French, Spanish CPIs

Industry analysts have upped their forecasts for the Eurozone CPI flash reading to 1.6% to 1.7% versus 1.5% expected earlier, following the release of better-than expected French and Spanish CPI reports.

France January CPI flash arrived at -0.2% m/m vs-0.5% exp and -0.3% last, while the Spanish CPI flash estimate for Jan came in at -0.5% m/m vs -1.1% exp and -0.6% previous.