A BUSY period for economic news, with the release of inflation, borrowing and retail sales figures will keep investors on their toes this week.

Rail commuters face miserable news on fare increases when the latest inflation figures are released tomorrow.

The July result for Retail Prices Index inflation is used in the calculation to set regulated train fares such as season tickets and some longer-distance, off-peak tickets.

Last July’s negative result for RPI – at minus 1.4% – saw train travellers given a welcome 0.4% dip in season ticket prices in the New Year changes.

But it is a very different story this year, as stubbornly high inflation has seen RPI soar in recent months.

Experts predict the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will reveal RPI remaining at eye-watering levels in July, despite a slight easing back to 4.8% from 5% in June.

But this will be little comfort for commuters, with a formula of RPI plus 1% used to set fares the following January.

Some analysts even fear there could be a rise in RPI, up to 5.1%, according to Investec Securities.

The official Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure of inflation is likewise expected to show little sign of falling back to the 2% target.

The following events are scheduled for next week:

August 16

Interims: Michael Page International

August 17

Interims: Rok

Asda owner Walmart publishes second- quarter earnings

July inflation figures