Canada inflation rises

Consumer prices in Canada climbed 1.3 percent in July, lifted by rising prices for automobiles, restaurant meals, meat and electricity, the official statistics agency said Friday. The Consumer Price Index increase was a bit less than the 1.6 percent figure expected by analysts, following a 1.5 percent gain in June, Statistics Canada said.

Food prices rose 2.1 percent in the 12 months to July following a 2.0 percent advance in June. Only fresh vegetables declined -- for a fifth consecutive month.

Natural gas prices dropped 15.2 percent while electricity costs increased 3.7 percent.

As well, the cost for the purchase of passenger vehicles increased 2.3 percent in July, following a 3.9 percent rise the previous month. The only major component in the CPI that declined in the 12 months to July was clothing and footwear, down 0.7 percent, led by price declines for women's clothing.