UK inflation slows to 3% on cheaper food and fuel, fueling rate-cut bets

Britain's inflation rate dropped to 3% in January from 3.4%, led by cheaper petrol, food and airfares, though prices are still rising rather than falling. The cooler pace increases the likelihood of a Bank of England rate cut at its March meeting, with energy-bill support expected to ease price pressures further in the coming months. Economists forecast further declines ahead, though policy decisions and wage dynamics could influence how quickly inflation falls toward the 2% target.