All signs are pointing to a much-needed easing in inflation. 

Consumer Price Index data for the December quarter will be released later today. 

The Reserve Bank has forecast annual inflation to come in at 5%, while ASB thinks 4.7%, and KiwiBank 4.6%. 

Jarden Economist John Carran told Tim Dower that they’ve seen clear signs that components of the CPI are coming down, with things like food, petrol, and some goods prices. 

He said that they’re also seeing some easing in the economy, and all these factors point to the inflation rate starting to ease. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• Inflation figures expected to fall below Reserve Bank estimates