Rio - The Brazilian consumer is more optimistic and believes that growth will continue. That was what a survey by the Getulio Vargas Foundation found.

According to the survey, Consumer Expectations, the number of those interviewed who believed the economic situation had improved rose from 12.5% in July to 16.8% in August. And adding that percentage to those who think the situation is stable, the result rose from 66.6% in July to 72.1% - the second highest it has ever been (the survey began in October 2002).

Expectations for the next six months were also better. The number of those interviewed who were pessimistic fell from 20.7% in July to 14.2% in August. And those who thought things were going to improve rose from 39.4% to 42.4%.

The survey visited 1,464 households in 12 state capitals between August 5 and 20. In the past the Consumer Expectations survey was quarterly, but now it is monthly.

Agência Brasil
Reporter:Alana Gandra
Translator: Allen Bennett
09/03/2004