Rio, November 6, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Inflation in October, as measured by the National Broad Consumer Price Index (IPCA), amounted to 0.29%, lower than the 0.78% registered in September, according to information released by the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics).

The chief factors that led to a reduction in the index were declines in the prices of products such as fuels and food and stability in administered prices (electricity, gas, telephone services, and water).

From January to October, the IPCA rose a cumulative 8.37%, close to the government's 8.5% inflation target for 2003. Over the past 12 months, the index rose 13.98%. (DAS)