BusinessJim Armitage: Is the ONS leaking economic data?Trickling out: The pound fell before economic data was released on ThursdayYui Mok/PAJim Armitage @ArmitageJim17 December 2015Is the Office for National Statistics a leaky ship?Increasing numbers of City types are beginning to think so, given the way markets seem to move in the minutes before surprising data is released.Take yesterday. The ONS’s stats showed wage inflation was lower than expected, meaning an interest rate rise was less likely, so investors should sell the pound.Sterling did fall, yet much of that was in the half hour or so before the 9.30am release. It was the other way around last month when inflation figures positive for the pound were released: a steep run-up in the currency started at around 9am. Read MoreWH Smith hire turnaround veteran with package that could be worth £25mSlowdown in rising cost-of-living set for December pause, say economistsBlue Posts boss: If opening a pub becomes so risky, people just won't do itSponsoredGreat gifts, foodie delights and experiences for the festive seasonIn September, when ONS data showed pay shooting up, the pound jumped three minutes before the announcement.The weak manufacturing figures earlier that month saw sterling’s slide begin at 9.28am.Perhaps some gifted investors out there just have a knack for accurate guesswork. Just in case, though, a review of the ONS’s seaworthiness around market-sensitive data can’t do any harm.MORE ABOUTEconomyFinancial MarketsOffice for National Statistics
