Brasília, February 16, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Focus Bulletin, released today by the Central Bank (BC), is betting on a 0.71% inflation rate this month, almost the same level as the 0.76% registered by the Broad Consumer Price Index (IPCA) in January . But the financial consultants and analysts included in the survey believe that the price increases will begin to ease next month, and they estimate March's inflation at 0.43%.

The BC's weekly poll also indicates prospects for an increase in foreign direct investments, from US$ 12 billion to US$ 12.05 billion. (DAS)