São Paulo, July 17, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Retail earnings in the São Paulo metropolitan area increased 1.36% in the first half of this year, when compared with the same period last year.

These data come from the Retail Trade Conjuncture survey (PCCV), conducted by the São Paulo Commercial Federation (Fecomércio/SP). Although the study shows growth, the Fecomércio does not regard it as a positive result, since the basis for comparison is weak. During the first half of last year, sales in the sector performed poorly. (DAS)