Rio, November 6, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The National Consumer Price Index (INPC) was 0.39% in October, below the 0.82% registered in September, according to a study released today by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). This index reflects the situation of families that earn up to eight minimum wages.

With this result, the INPC has risen 9.39% since the beginning of the year and 16.15% over the past 12 months. In October, 2002, the rate was 1.57%. The highest regional index was registered in Goiânia (1.14%), and the lowest, in Recife (0.20%). (DAS)