Economists polled by Reuters had expected the January inflation print to come in at 2.4%, unchanged from December.

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Euro zone inflation accelerated last month but remained on an anticipated course that could let the European Central Bank cut interest rates further, even if a surging dollar, a looming trade war and higher gas prices raise uncertainty.

Inflation across the eurozone ticked up thanks to a higher contribution from energy prices, while food inflation fell and core inflation remained stable at 2.7%. Base effects – which have driven inflation higher in recent months – eased in January, which contributed to keeping the increase in inflation muted.