Singapore's consumer prices rose faster-than-expected in November, underpinned by higher costs for food and housing, said the Department of Statistics on Friday [21 Dec 2007]. The consumer price index - a non-core measure of costs for goods and services - rose 4.2% from a year earlier, after rising 3.6% in October.
Last month, the government raised its inflation forecast for next year to 3.5-4.5%, with a peak at around 5% at the start of 2008. Rising costs of imported goods and a robust real estate market sparked a pickup in inflation late this year, prompting the central bank to tighten monetary policy in October.
Housing costs increased on account of higher rents. Prices for food were higher as a result of more expensive vegetables, bread, and fresh pork. Transport expenses also increased, mainly as a result of more costly gasoline.
- Inflation is taking off worldwide. The major central banks are increasing money supply at double-digit rates. There is nowhere to hide.