HK's December CPI down 1.9 per cent
( 2004-01-21 10:29) (Xinhua)
Hong Kong's Consumer Price Index(CPI) fell 1.9 per cent in December from a
year earlier, the government said Tuesday.
The 62nd consecutive month of falling prices narrowed November's 2.4-per cent
drop, according to a government statement.
It said that December's narrower year-on-year decline was mainly attributed
to the end in November of a water and sewerage charge waiver.
"Also contributing were moderated decreases or slight increasesin the retail
prices of some goods and services amidst the revivalin local consumer spending
and surge in inbound tourism, as well as amidst higher import prices owing to a
weaker US dollar," the statement said.
Higher gold prices, which forced up the cost of retail jewelry, also helped
to slow the deflation, added the statement.
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