2006 GDP figures 'best since 1997'

"This is very good data, which confirms positive trends, visible in the economy for at least half a year, that investments and consumption are becoming increasingly important," said Piotr Kalisz, an economist at Citibank Handlowy. The growth was slightly higher than forecast (a difference of 0.1%), but it did not influence the value of the Polish zloty. "In Q4 2006, the share of investments in the composition of GDP growth increased, while that of consumption went down. This structure boosts the potential of the GDP. Also in 2007, in particular in H1, we might expect strong growth in investments," said Rafal Benecki, an economist with ING. He went on to say that the Monetary Policy Council (RPP) is not likely to increase interest rates. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 6) M.M.