German producer
prices increased more than anticipated in February, but the rate of increase
slowed for the fifth consecutive month, suggesting that inflation in Europe's
biggest economy may be beginning to decline.
According to data from the Federal Statistics Office,
producer prices for industrial goods increased by 15.8% compared to the same
month last year, above analysts' predictions of a slower increase of 14.5%.
Prices decreased 0.3% from January. The expected decrease
was 0.5 percent.
In addition to energy costs, which increased by 27.6% on a
yearly basis, producer prices increased as a result of price increases.