Panama City, Nov 14 (EFE). - Inflation in Panama recorded a monthly variation of -0.02% in October, dragged down by falling prices in sectors such as restaurant and hotel services and household maintenance, the National Institute of Statistics and Census (Inec) reported this Friday. In its commentary on the Consumer Price Index (IPC) for October, Inec did not specify the annual inflation rate nor the accumulated rate so far this year. Regarding the -0.02% variation in October, compared to the previous month, the statistical entity points out that it is the result of falling prices in the groups of restaurant and accommodation services (-0.7%); furniture, household equipment and routine household maintenance (-0.4%); clothing and footwear; and information and communication, both at -0.3%; health; and transport, both (-0.1%). The groups that showed price growth were personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services (0.6%); food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.3%); and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (0.1%). The divisions of educational services; and insurance and financial services, showed no price variation, said Inec. According to International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts, Panama will close this year with an inflation rate of -0.1%.
