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Higher airfares and hotel prices predicted to push up UK inflation in July
Prices in the UK are set to have risen faster last month as school holidays boosted travel costs and grocery bills remain elevated, economists said.
Some experts said an “Oasis bump” could have contributed to higher accommodation prices in July.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) will publish the latest inflation dataset on Wednesday.
The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation is widely expected to have increased to 3.7% in July, from the 3.6% recorded in June.
The school summer holidays are likely to have seen airfares rise considerably, with airlines typically bumping up prices in July amid stronger demand from families.
Analysts for Pantheon Macroeconomics forecast that airfares could surge by 17.1% between June and July.
Rail costs and package holidays are also set to have jumped amid the spike in summer travel.
July’s Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation will also be announced on Wednesday.
The Government has not confirmed how it will determine the cap on regulated train fare rises in England in 2026, but this year’s 4.6% hike was one percentage point above RPI in July 2024.
Banking group Investec has forecast this year’s July RPI figure will be 4.5%, which means fares could jump by 5.5%.
Pressure group Railfuture told the PA news agency “it would be outrageous” if fares rose by that much.
Meanwhile, economists have pointed to a possible spike in hotel prices helping drive up CPI inflation in July.
Sanjay Raja, senior economist for Deutsche Bank, said this could partly be attributed to British band Oasis kicking off their reunion tour in July.
The concerts brought in hordes of fans to arenas in Cardiff, Manchester, London and Edinburgh, which could have driven greater demand for hotel rooms.
Accommodation prices could rise by as much as 9% in July, compared with June, “with the Oasis concerts having a strong impact on Manchester prices alone”, the economist said.
Mr Raja is predicting headline UK inflation will have risen to 3.8% in July.
Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets for Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “The Oasis tour, which saw high demand for hospitality around the gig dates, has the potential to push up inflation in the sector during July.
“We are unlikely to see the Gallagher effect show up in quite the same way as Taylor Swift’s bump to prices in June 2024.
“But demand for hotel rooms, beer, bucket hats and Nineties-style gear could be one of the factors that keep inflation heading higher.”
Food prices have also been rising in recent months – partly driven by higher ingredients, labour and regulatory costs.
Annual food price inflation increased for the third month in a row in June, hitting the highest rate since February 2024.
Victoria Scholar, head of investment for Interactive Investor, said there were “particular worries about domestic food price inflation as well as uncertainty around how (US President Donald) Trump’s tariffs could push up prices”.
The Bank of England is forecasting that inflation will increase further this year and peak at about 4% in September, before easing throughout the next two years.
The central bank said accelerating food and energy prices have been key drivers in the uptick in inflation.
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Gold price prediction today: Will gold prices continue to be volatile? Key levels to watch out for April 27, 2026 week – The Times of India
Gold price prediction today: Gold prices will closely track movements on the rate decisions by several central banks, including the US Federal Reserve, this week, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.Gold is currently consolidating after sharp swings in a broad range, indicating a pause rather than a reversal. Price action shows a higher-high structure intact, but the recent sideways movement suggests indecision near the upper supply zone around 158,000–160,000. The formation resembles a short-term flag/triangle continuation pattern, where a breakout on either side will define the next directional move. Volume has tapered slightly, reinforcing the consolidation narrative.Gold prices recently moved from the upper band toward the mid-band (20 DMA), and are now attempting to stabilize. The bands have started to contract, signaling a potential volatility expansion ahead. Sustaining above the mid-band (~150,500–151,000 zone) keeps bullish bias intact, while a breakdown below this could trigger a deeper mean reversion toward the lower band.For the week, immediate support for gold prices is placed at around Rs 150,500, which is followed by stronger support near Rs 148,500. On the upside, the resistance stands at around Rs 155,500, and after that the key supply zone is at Rs 158,000. A decisive close for gold above Rs 158,000 levels can then resume the broader uptrend. However, a break in gold prices below levels of Rs 148,500 may shift the momentum to bearish in the near term.The economic docket is filled with data points and events this week as the focus will be on FED, BOJ, ECB and ECB policy meetings. US consumer confidence, GDP, inflation and durable goods orders data will also be in radar.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)
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