SINGAPORE

Exports Surge in August: The Trade Development Board said non-oil domestic exports expanded 19.2% from a year earlier, led by microcomputers, disk drives, integrated circuits, videocassette recorders and other electronic equipment. The August figure compares with an annual export growth of 13.1% in July, revised up from a previously reported 12.6%, and with 9% in June. The figures are adjusted for inflation. Private economists said the surge is a clear sign the export-oriented economy is headed for faster growth than had been predicted.