Brasília, March 1, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - A survey conducted by the Central Bank (BC) shows that the current expectation of financial institutions is for the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to grow 3.6% in 2004, as against 3.7% registered in last week's survey.

Another forecast that suffered a slight alteration is for this year's inflation, which, as measured by the Broad Consumer Price Index (IPCA), which serves as a guideline for official inflation targets, was raised from 6.00% last week to 6.01%.

Prospects for the trade balance surplus improved, rising from US$ 20.9 billion to US$ 21 billion. The financial institutions also believe that at the end of 2004 the dollar will be worth R$ 2.98, compared with their estimate of R$ 3.00 last week.

On the other hand, the banks and consultants that took part in the survey are betting that foreign investments this year will come to US$ 12.1 billion, as against the US$ 12.5 billion they predicted last week. (DAS)