Electricity production, the most reliable indicator of Chinese economic activity, was up only 2.7% over the same month last year.

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In an attempt to be balanced, the report did offer some positive signals as manufacturing hours worked were stronger than expected, which is a positive indicator for industrial production.

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Monday's announcement that Compaq Computer plans to cut production and jobs at its plant in Scotland is yet one more indicator that a tech slowdown may be in the UK's future.

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The terms "gross" and "net" in this case show if this indicator includes or excludes consumption of fixed capital in the process of production.

UNESCO: Belarus: Report: Part I: Descriptive Section