Summary
In the 3rd quarter 2009, Gross Domestic Product decreased 2.5% in real terms compared to the same period of the previous year ( -3.7% in the precedent quarter). This less intense year-on-year reduction was mainly associated to the less negative evolution of domestic demand, particularly Investment, whose contribution to GDP change rate went from -4.6 p.p. in the second quarter to -2.7 p.p. in the following. The contribution of net external demand to the GDP change rate was below the observed in the previous quarter (going from 0.9 p.p. to 0.2 p.p. from the 2nd to the 3rd quarter). Exports and Imports registered less intense year-on-year reductions. Compared to the 2nd quarter 2009, Portuguese GDP grew 0.7% (0.5% in the previous quarter).