Positive data boost Indonesia\\\'s economic prospects

JAKARTA, July 1 ( AFP) : Indonesia said Tuesday its trade balance swung back to surplus in May and reported a flurry of other positive data, a boost for Southeast Asia's top economy after a recent slowdown.

 The surplus was slightly higher than expected at $70 million, according to the statistics agency, after a deficit of almost $2 billion in April as exports were hit by a controversial mineral ore export ban.

 Inflation slowed further to 6.70 per cent year-on-year in June after spiking last year following a rise in fuel prices, the agency said, and a manufacturing activity survey hit a new record high.