Chile: Inflation Quickens

Chilean consumer prices rose .6 percent in July as transportation costs jumped, adding to speculation the central bank will raise its benchmark lending rate for a sixth time this year when it meets next week. Inflation over the past 12 months quickened to 3.1 percent, the highest rate in two years. Rising fuel prices that made public transportation costlier and higher housing, health and food costs led the inflation pickup, according to a government report. Chile´s economy is surging as copper prices stand near record levels.