(BRUSSELS) - Annual inflation in the 15 countries sharing the euro stood at a record 4.0 percent in July, according to revised official figures, slightly down from the initial estimate of 4.1 percent.

The 4.0 percent figure, though revised down by he European Union's Eurostat data agency, means eurozone consumer price rises retain the record level they reached in June, the highest rate since the euro was born in 1999.

However while 12-month inflation remained at a high point, prices actually fell by 0.2 percent during the month of July, a sign of some easing as oil prices, though still historically high, dropped.

In the 27-nation European Union as a whole, 12-month inflation continued on its upwards ciourse, hitting 4.4 percent in July from 4.3 perfent in June. Here again though monthly inflation was down, though by just 0.1 percent.

Further details - Eurostat

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