SOUTH Africa’s all-items consumer price index rose by 7.4% in the year to March, while the CPIX index targeted by the central bank rose by 7.5%, Statistics South Africa said on Tuesday. A Reuters consensus poll of economists had forecast CPIX rising 7.4% from 7.7%, while CPI was predicted to gain 7.4% versus 7.8% in February. Core inflation rose 8.4% year-on-year against market expectations of 8.3% and 8.7% in February. Core inflation excludes prices for meat and fish, vegetables, fruit and nuts, interest rates on mortgages, overdrafts and personal loans, value added tax and municipal rates. – Reuters