ISTANBUL

Inflation in the UK jumped in February, ending a three-month stretch of declines.

Annual inflation stood at 10.4% last month, bucking forecasts for a fall below 10%, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reported on Wednesday.

The rate had eased over the three months prior to February from October’s peak of 11.1% to 10.1% in January.

Housing costs were the main driver for last month’s surprise spike, according to the ONS.​​​​​​​