Rio, February 27, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - In the fourth quarter of 2003, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell 0.1% in comparison with the same period in 2002, but it grew 1.5% in comparison with the third quarter of 2003, according to information released today by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).

All the indicators of components of the GDP showed positive rates, which, in the opinion of Roberto Olinto, economist in charge of the IBGE's Quarterly National Accounts, are a sign of renewed economic growth.

Consumption by families rose 1.6% in the fourth quarter, compared with the third, and consumption by the government rose 0.1%. Exports of goods and services grew 5.5%, while imports expanded 8.3%. (DAS)