Brazil

Brazil Retail Sales Barely Rise in August, Missing Expectations

Brazilian retail sales increased just 0.1% month over month in August, well below the 0.7% gain expected by economists. The reading nevertheless marked an improvement from the previous month’s 0.8% decline.

On a year-over-year basis, retail sales rose 0.4%, also significantly weaker than the 1.5% consensus estimate and slowing from 1.3% previously.
Brazil Inflation Accelerates to 4.58% in September, Above Expectations

Brazil’s annual consumer inflation rate rose to 4.58% in September, exceeding the 4.50% consensus estimate and accelerating from 4.22% previously.

The stronger-than-expected reading suggests inflation pressures picked up again during the month, potentially complicating the outlook for monetary policy.
Brazil Gross Debt-to-GDP Ratio Rises to 82.9% in August

Brazil’s gross debt-to-GDP ratio increased to 82.9% in August from 82.5% previously, though the reading came in slightly below the 83.1% expected by economists.

The increase points to continued fiscal pressure, with public debt remaining elevated relative to the size of the economy.
Brazil Unemployment Rate Holds at 5.3% in August

Brazil’s unemployment rate remained at 5.3% in August, matching both market expectations and the previous reading.

The unchanged figure suggests the labor market remained relatively tight, with no clear deterioration in employment conditions during the month.
Brazil Foreign Direct Investment Reaches $7.4 Billion in August

Brazil recorded $7.40 billion in foreign direct investment in August, above the $6.90 billion market forecast.

The figure was only slightly below the previous month’s $7.46 billion, suggesting foreign investment inflows remained relatively strong despite broader global financial-market volatility
Brazil Cuts Interest Rate to 13.75%, Matching Expectations

Brazil’s central bank cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 13.75% on September 17, continuing the gradual easing of monetary policy.

The decision was in line with market expectations. The Selic rate had previously stood at 14.00%, meaning the latest move represents another step down from the considerably higher interest-rate levels seen earlier in the cycle.
Brazil Retail Sales Fall 0.8% in July, Missing Forecasts

Brazilian retail sales weakened more than expected in July, adding to signs of softer consumer demand in Latin America’s largest economy.

Retail sales fell 0.8% month over month, compared with expectations for a 0.2% decline and following a 0.3% increase previously. On an annual basis, sales rose just 1.2%, well below the 2.2% forecast and slowing from 2.8%
Brazil Inflation Slows to 4.22% in August, Below Expectations

Brazil’s annual inflation rate eased more than expected in August, providing a positive signal for the country’s inflation outlook.

Consumer prices increased 4.22% year-over-year, below the 4.27% market forecast and slowing from 4.44% previously. The decline indicates that inflationary pressures continued to moderate during the month.
Consumer Confidence Weakens in Argentina and Brazil in September

Consumer sentiment deteriorated in both Argentina and Brazil in September, according to the latest Thomson Reuters/Ipsos Primary Consumer Sentiment Index readings.

Argentina’s PCSI declined to 37.85 from 38.97 in August, leaving consumer confidence at a particularly weak level.

Brazil’s PCSI fell to 52.17 from 53.38, a decline of 1.21 points. Despite the monthly drop, Brazil remained above the 50-point level, indicating comparatively stronger consumer sentiment than Argentina.

The September readings point to softer consumer confidence across both of South America’s largest economies, although the gap remains substantial: Brazil’s index stands more than 14 points above Argentina’s.
Brazil GDP Beats Forecasts in Q2 but Growth Slows From Strong First Quarter

Brazil’s economy expanded more than expected in the second quarter, although growth slowed substantially from the beginning of the year as high interest rates continued to restrain domestic activity.

GDP grew 0.5% quarter over quarter in Q2, beating expectations for a 0.4% increase but slowing from 1.1% growth in the first quarter. On an annual basis, the economy expanded 2.0%, also above the 1.8% forecast.

Agriculture was the strongest contributor, expanding 2.8% from the previous quarter, supported by strong soybean and coffee harvests. Services grew just 0.2%, while industrial activity edged up 0.1%.
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07-10-25WS News