Aécio Amado
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Rio - Industrialists are optimistic about the economy in the first half of this year. Data released today by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV) from the 154th Conjunctural Survey of the Manufacturing Sector reveal that 59% believe that business will improve, as against only 4% that think things will get worse.

The 55% difference between the two extremes represents the best result ever for this time of year, 1% higher than the difference in January, 2004. The survey embraces the period between October, 2004, and January, 2005.

The FGV study also informs that industry continues to follow the growth path initiated in the second half of 2003 and that prospects for the coming months are good. Another important finding that confirms the industrialists' confidence is the outlook for employment in the sector.

The survey emphasizes that the weak performance of the sector between September and November of last year does not mean "a breakdown of the current growth cycle but, rather, an adjustment after several months of accelerated expansion."

Translation: David Silberstein