BRASIL: GDP Misses Forecast; Bovespa Hits New High.

BLOOMBERG/
Brasil's stocks advanced to a new 18-month high after the government revealed that the GDP expanded only 1.3% in Q3 from the previous three months, surprising all analysts. Q2 growth was also revised to 1.1%, down from 1.9%. The slower growth means policy makers will keep the record low benchmark rate at 8.75% during Q1 of 2010 to bolster growth.