The National Index of Construction (Sinapi), calculated by the IBGE in partnership with the Federal Savings Bank (Caixa Econômica Federal) changed by 0.43% in October, close to the index recorded in September (0.42%).  In relation to October 2006 (0.22%), the current index was 0.21 percentage points higher. In the year, the index accumulated was 4.78%, and in the last 12 months, 5.61%. The indexes accumulated in 2007 were also above the indexes recorded in similar periods of the previous year (4.30% and 5.07%).

The national cost per square meter changed from R$ 595.68 (in September) to R$ 598.27 (in October), being R$ 343.97 relative to material and R$ 254.30 relative to labor force. 

Material registered the same rate of September (0.59%). Labor force, with 0.22%, increased by 0.02 percentage points from September (0.20%) to October.

In the year, material changed by 4.11%, above the index observed in the similar period of 2006 (3.30%). Labor force recorded 5.69%, almost the same index of the previous year (5.70%).

In the last 12 months, the indexes were 4.95% (material) and 6.53% (labor force).

Central West Region recorded the highest index of October

The Central West Region recorded the highest index of October (0.69%). It was followed by the Northeast (0.65%), North (0.42%), Southeast (0.32%) and South Region (0.23%).

The highest accumulated indexes, in the year and in 12 months were registered in the Northeast Region (6.19% and 7.29%, respectively).  The lowest results in these periods occurred in the Southeast (3.81%) and South (4.34%).

Regarding the regional costs, the values were R$ 632.48 (Southeast), R$ 591.84 (South), R$ 586.59 (North), R$ 574.02 (Central West) and R$ 562.48 (Northeast).

Pernambuco had the highest index

Pernambuco had the highest index in October (2.08%), influenced by wage readjustments.   In the year and in 12 months, the major indexes accumulated occurred in Acre (8.62% and 9.53%).