The National Index of Civil Construction (Sinapi), estimated by IBGE in partnership with CAIXA, recorded a change of 0.34% in October, advancing 0.09 percentage points in relation to September (0.25%). Considering the period from January to October 2012, the rate of 4.99% is below that of the same period a year ago, when it was at 5.13%. The result of the last twelve months was at 5.51%, slightly below the 5.55% recorded in the immediately previous twelve months. In October 2011, the change was at 0.38%.

The complete publication of the survey can be accessed at: www.ibge.gov.br/english/estatistica/indicadores/precos/sinapi/default.shtm.

The national cost of construction, per square meter, which in September closed at R$ 847.18, in October changed to R$ 850.06, being R$ 451.20 relative to materials and R$ 398.86 to labor force.

The share relative to labor force registered a change of 0.42%, rising 0.07 percentage points over the previous month (0.35%). The materials recorded a difference of 0.12 percentage points, coming from 0.15%, in September, to 0.27%, in October. In the year, labor force rose by 9.79%, whereas materials registered 1.09%. The accumulated indexes in twelve months were: 10.68% (labor force) and 1.32% (materials).

North region records the highest monthly change: 1.91% 

Pushed by the wage increase in Pará, the North region, with high of 1.91%, held the largest regional change, followed by, in descending order: Northeast region (0.24%), Southeast region (0.19%), Central-West region (0.18%) and South region (0.05%).

The regional costs, per square meter, were:  R$ 869.20 (North); R$ 796.18 (Northeast); R$ 882.38 (Southeast); R$ 864.22 (South) and R$ 862.68 (Central-West).

As for the accumulated indexes, the South region still stands out, with the highest change in the year (7.53%), and the highest change in the last 12 months (7.79%), as well.

Pará stands out among the Federation Units with a change of 4.16%.

The state of Pará recorded the biggest monthly rate (4.16%), influenced by wage increases resulting from collective bargaining.