São Paulo, October 8, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Brazil's country risk premium - the index that measures the confidence international investors have in the Brazilian economy - registered 603 points this morning. Market optimism was also reflected in the São Paulo Stock Exchange (Bovespa) and on the currency market. The Bovespa was operating at a 1.65% gain, with the Bovespa Index (Ibovespa) standing at 17,760. The US dollar was quoted at R$ 2.8380 (what you receive if you sell your dollars) and R$ 2.8430 (what you pay to purchase dollars), a drop of 0.55%. (DAS)