Euro area inflation unexpectedly slowed down in August. This can raise concern for ECB leaders that are getting ready to ease stimulus despite of growing economic risks, Bloomberg reports.

Consumer prices growth was 2%, which is lower that 2,1% in July. Core inflation excluding such volatile elements, as energy and food, fell to 1%. This is lower than expectations of economists.

Inflation level in recent months is getting close to the level lower that 2% target, despite high energy prices. After record economic growth in 2017, development pace slowed down this year, and outlook is unclear.

Inflation rate was 1,9% in Germany, 2,6% in France, 1,7% in Italy and 2,2% in Spain.

Although unemployment level was 8,2% in July, the lowest in almost 10 years, economic confidence fell the lowest in a year, as companies and consumers are worried about trade tensions and instability in Italy.