++ Inflation drops to 5.5% in August ++

(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 31 - Italy's annual inflation rate remained on a downward trend in August, falling to 5.5% from 5. 9% in July, Istat said on Thursday according to preliminary estimates.
    In August the rate of change of the Italian consumer price index for the whole nation (NIC) was +0.4% on a monthly basis, the statistics agency added. (ANSA).