Stênio Ribeiro Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília – The Central Bank’s Economic Activity Index (“IBC-Br”) was 142.14 in February, compared to 141.69 in January, demonstrating GDP growth of 0.32% in February 2011, compared to January 2011. The numbers showed a slight slowdown in activity as January 2011 growth had risen 0.70%, compared to December 2010.

And as the IBC-Br was 136.97 in February 2010, rising to 142.14 in February 2011, that demonstrated GDP growth of 6.83% for the twelve-month period ending February 2011.

At the same time, February 2011 GDP expansion was a strong 3.77%, compared to February 2010.

The IBC-Br uses a time scale and metrics different from those used by the government statistical bureau (“IBGE”), which measures official GDP growth. As such, the IBC-Br provides the Central Bank with a preview of GDP results. The bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (“Copom”) can use the IBC-Br to prepare interest rate policy. The IBC-Br is a monthly measurement that only indicates where GDP is going – it does not measure or project it.

Allen Bennett – translator/editor The News in English – content modified

Link - Atividade econômica cresceu 0,32% em fevereiro, mostra BC