Rio, November 14, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The IBGE's Monthly Commercial Survey in September shows that the volume of retail sales fell 1.23% in comparison with September, 2001, after two consecutive months of growth. The cumulative index for the year is also negative,
-0,23%, as is the cumulative index for the past 12 months, -0.58%.

Nominal sales receipts, on the other hand, remained positive, sustained by price increases. The growth was 6.32%, in comparison with September, 2001; 6.08% for the year; and 5.77% for the past 12 months. (DAS)