Inflation in Europe edges down again. But will Houthi attacks on ships spoil the relief?

Inflation in Europe edged lower in January to 2.8%, keeping alive speculation about quick interest rate cuts that would lower borrowing costs for businesses and consumers — and help boost the stagnating economy. The annual figure released Thursday by the European Union statistics agency Eurostat compares with 2.9% in December and matched what was expected by market analysts. Energy prices fell 6.3%, contributing to the drop in inflation in the 20 European Union countries that use the euro currency.