Brasília, 28/01/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Central Bank's weekly market survey which polls 100 financial institutions and consultancy firms, known as Focus, shows that inflation expectations for 2003 is higher. The latest Focus survey found that the market expects the Broad Consumer Price Index (IPCA) to close out 2003 at 11.34%, up from 11.19% in the last survey. Expectations for 2004 inflation remain steady at 8%.

Focus also found that market expectations regarding the current account deficit remain unchanged: US$5.7 billion for 2003, and US$5 billion for 2004. (AB)