Singapore's April core inflation cools to 1.4% but imported cost pressures expected to pick up

Singapore's core inflation eased to 1.4% in April from 1.7% in March. That reversed two months of increases, surprising economists who had expected price pressures to rise gradually amid spillovers from the Middle East conflict. Headline inflation was unchanged at 1.8% in April, as higher private transport and accommodation costs were offset by lower inflation in services and retail. Private transport inflation saw the biggest spike, rising 8.1% due to higher petrol and car prices.