The CPI, which measures inflation in the United Kingdom, rose to 9.1% year-on-year in May, compared to 9% in April’s reading, matching expectations in the highest reading in the series that began with national statistics in January 1997.

The main index, excluding food and energy prices, fell to 5.9% in May from 6.2%, compared to a decline of 6% in analysts’ expectations.

On a monthly basis, the index rose by 0.7 in May, compared to an increase of about 0.6% in May of last year.

In details, the largest contributions to inflation in May came from the entertainment and culture sector by 0.10%, while prices in the clothing and footwear sector increased by about 0.08%.

The British pound is trading at 1.22.36 levels against the US dollar, declining, affected by the US dollar’s gains.