German inflation in September jumped to its highest level since May 2015, data showed, in welcome news for the European Central Bank's efforts to boost prices with a massive stimulus programme.

Inflation rose by 0.7 percent compared to the year before, according to preliminary figures from Germany's federal statistics office Destatis.

Analysts surveyed by Factset had predicted an increase of 0.6 percent. Inflation stood at 0.4 percent in July and August.