Euro-Zone Inflation Unexpectedly Rises as Iran Risks Swirl

Euro-area inflation unexpectedly quickened, backing the European Central Bank’s caution on interest rates, particularly as the war in Iran sends energy prices surging.

Consumer prices rose 1.9% from a year ago in February — up from 1.7% in January and just below the ECB’s 2% target. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg had anticipated an unchanged reading.