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• Ai The computer hardware market — PCs, servers
Page 49
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and peripherals — grew by 2.1% in value in 2007 and is almost 10% up on 2003, despite falling end user prices, according to a report by analyst Key Note. But the economic downturn is likely to drive margins and volumes in 2008 and shrink the market in 2009. Key Note does not predict improvement until a "slow recovery" between 2010 and 2012. Interest rates: The base rate is now 3%. if your bank will not reflect the recent cuts, it is worth shopping around as many are still happy to recruit new local business.
Balance of payments: The 02 balance of payments doubled quarter on quarter to reach £11bn. Much of this is due to a deficit in investment.
Balance of trade: September's balance of trade had a smaller deficit than August's, down to £3.9bn, with the deficit in trade of goods down a:1.5bn to £7.5bn. The volume of imports into the ELI is shrinking, slightly, but their price has edged up by 1%.
Inflation: Consumer price index is at 4.5% (based on October figures), Most commentators anticipate it failing throughout 2009.