Inflation Slows in Top Eurozone Economies as ECB Ponders Next Move

Annual inflation in Germany fell to 2.3% in June from 2.6% in May, in France to 1.8% from 2.4%, and in Italy to 3.0% from 3.2%. This easing of inflation, partly due to a fuel duty cut in Germany and reduced petroleum costs in France, increases the likelihood of the European Central Bank holding interest rates steady at its next meeting.