Euro zone inflation hits 4%, a three-year high, putting ECB rate hike in focus
Officials cite energy costs as inflation tops target in all 21 euro economies; Mertens says French unrest may complicate ECB policy
A flash estimate showed euro zone inflation rose to 4% in October, a three-year high. Officials said the increase was largely due to surging energy costs, with markets now pricing in a high probability of an interest rate hike from the European Central Bank in December. Mertens said French political unrest may complicate the central bank's policy options.