Brasília, 16 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Financial market estimates for inflation, based on the Broad Consumer Price Index (IPCA) have risen, according to the Central Bank's latest weekly survey. The inflation estimate for this year is now 5.81%, up from 5.72% last week, and higher than the government target of 3.5%, give or take two percentage points. The inflation estimate for 2003 is now 4.2%, up from 4% last week. The government target is 4%.

Other market estimates: trade surplus up from US$4.47 billion to US$4.5 billion for this year. Steady at US$5 billion for next year. GDP growth for this year 2%, but dropped from 3.5% to 3.45% for next year. Direct foreign investments fell from US$17.4 billion to US$17.3 billion for 2002, while remaining steady at US$18 billion for next year. The current account deficit estimate fell from US$20.45 billion to US$20.30 billion for 2002, and rose from US$19.90 billion to US$20.10 billion for next year. (AB)