It was the first gain since May's 1.4 percent advance.

The gain was the largest since a 2.3 percent advance in December 1988.

So even if nothing happens you'll make a 20 percent advance through next year.

Analysts were at something of a loss to explain the increase, which was the largest since a 5.8 percent advance in May.

It was the first rise since a 3.5 percent advance last December.

It was also the best since the 5 percent advance in the second quarter of 1984.

This contrasted with an 18 percent advance in the first three months of 2000.

The rise, which followed a 0.1 percent advance in October, was a bit more than expected.

It was the first increase since a 5.9 percent advance in May.

The price rise was the largest since a 0.5 percent advance in March.