Respondents lowered their view for inflation in 2012 to 5.28 percent compared to last week's forecast of 5.29 percent, but maintained their 2012 GDP growth view at 3.27 percent and continued to see the central bank's benchmark interest rate by year's-end at 9.5 percent. The survey's predictions represent the median forecast of analysts polled by the central bank at about 100 financial institutions. In mid-January, the central bank lowered its benchmark Selic interest rate for the fourth consecutive time, cutting it to 10.5 percent. Minutes from the central bank's monetary policy committee published last week signaled that the bank foresees cutting interest rates to single digits, with the weak global economy helping to ease inflation pressures.