Band 9: The graph below gives information about Dubai gold sales in 2002. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The line graph presented delineates the fluctuations in Dubai’s gold sales over the course of 2002.

Overall, the sales figures exhibited considerable volatility throughout the year, with pronounced peaks and troughs evident across various months.

In January 2002, gold sales commenced at approximately 200 million dirhams, experiencing a significant surge to exceed 350 million dirhams in February, marking the zenith for the year. However, this upward trajectory was abruptly interrupted in March, with sales declining sharply to around 275 million dirhams. This downward trend continued unabated until July, wherein sales fell precipitously to just over 100 million dirhams, their lowest point for the year.

Subsequent months displayed a moderate recovery, as sales rebounded to reach levels comparable to January, with figures nearing 200 million dirhams in August. Nevertheless, this rejuvenated momentum was short-lived, as September saw a decline back to approximately 150 million dirhams. The final quarter of the year witnessed fluctuations, with sales rising marginally to about 175 million dirhams in October and stabilizing in the vicinity of 200 million dirhams through November and December, marking a return to earlier figures.