Brazil GDP Preview: 1% Growth in Q2 is Good News

August 30, 2024 2:19 PM UTC

Brazil's Q2 2024 GDP is expected to grow 1.0%, driven by strong domestic demand and recovery in Services, Construction, and Mining. Despite analysts predicting a slowdown, fiscal stimuli and election-related spending have fueled growth. However, concerns remain whether this growth is sustainable or

Brazil: The Case for a Hike?

August 28, 2024 1:42 PM UTC

Despite the market's push for a rate hike by the Brazilian Central Bank (BCB), we believe the current policy rate of 10.5% is sufficiently restrictive to ensure inflation converges. However, de-anchored inflation expectations, fiscal concerns, strong economic activity, and a new BCB president desiri

Brazil: Activity Surprises Again in Q2

August 19, 2024 1:24 PM UTC

The Brazilian economy outperformed expectations in Q2, with a 1.1% growth (according to monthly data) driven by industrial production and strong household demand. This strength likely stems from the fiscal push in late 2023, though a slight deceleration is anticipated in the second half of 2024. Wit

EM Markets Divergence with China Harder Landing Concerns

August 14, 2024 3:35 PM UTC

Global market turbulence has had a spillover impact into EM, but also some EM assets have benefitted from rotation away from the U.S.  What are the prospects in the coming months?
We see scope for a 2nd wave of U.S. equity and Japanese Yen (JPY) correction, which are a mixed influence for EM assets

Brazil CPI Review: 0.4% Growth in July

August 9, 2024 3:14 PM UTC

Brazil's CPI rose by 0.38% in July, pushing the Y/Y rate to 4.5%, the upper limit of the Central Bank's target. The increase was driven by rising transport costs, especially gasoline and airfare, while food prices fell. Despite this, uncertainty remains about the economy's potential overheating, wit

BCB Minutes: Hawkish and Consideration over Hikes

August 6, 2024 2:55 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank kept the policy rate at 10.5%, emphasizing a hawkish stance amidst global uncertainties and risk aversion. Inflation is projected at 3.2%, above the 3% target. The board remains cautious, with potential rate hikes if the economic situation worsens. A rate cut may be possib

Brazil CPI Preview: Inflation to Rise in July

August 5, 2024 3:13 PM UTC

The Brazilian CPI is expected to rise by 0.3% m/m in July, pushing Y/Y CPI to 4.4%. This increase is mainly due to higher gasoline prices affecting the Transport and Housing groups. Inflationary risks are emerging, with strong economic activity and sticky service inflation, but a policy rate cut rem

BCB Review: A Hawkish Tweak

August 1, 2024 1:45 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) kept the policy rate unchanged at 10.5%, with a hawkish tone highlighting risks. Strong domestic growth and employment data persist despite monetary tightening. Inflation expectations for 2024 and 2025 are at 4.1% and 4.0%, respectively, above the 3.0% target. Fiscal

Brazil: An Eye on the Lower Bound of the Fiscal Target

July 23, 2024 4:07 PM UTC

The Brazilian government will implement BRL 15 billion in contingency expenditures to meet fiscal targets, aiming for a 0.25% GDP primary deficit in 2024. This move, though addressing fiscal issues, pursues the lower target band and may undermine fiscal credibility. The contingency is due to revenue

Brazil and Mexico: Supply and Demand Factors Affecting Inflation

July 17, 2024 6:52 PM UTC

We decomposed inflation in Brazil and Mexico using a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) Model, focusing on Imported Inflation, Demand, Supply, and Monetary Policy. Our analysis from 2003 to 2024 for Brazil and 2005 to 2024 for Mexico shows Brazil's inflation was primarily driven by supply and imported infl

Latin America: Country Risk Ratings

July 12, 2024 10:05 AM UTC

We provide country risk reviews for select Latin America countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. 

Brazil CPI Review: Inflation Below Expectations in June

July 10, 2024 5:11 PM UTC

The IBGE's June CPI figures show a 0.21% monthly increase, below market expectations. The Y/Y index rose to 4.2%, driven by increases in potatoes, milk, and coffee. The floods in the South had a minimal impact. Health and Housing saw modest rises, while core CPI remained stable. Despite potential ri

Brazil: Demographics Contributing to Lower the Unemployment Rate

July 3, 2024 1:29 PM UTC

From 2012 to 2019, Brazil’s labor force participation grew, peaking at 63.7% in December 2019. Post-pandemic, it has fallen to 62.1%, influenced by early retirements, fiscal aid, and demographic shifts as more people enter age groups with lower participation. Intragroup effects mainly drive partic

Webinar Recording June Outlook: Cyclical and Structural Forces

July 2, 2024 7:30 AM UTC

EM After the Elections: Fiscal Focus and Inflation Questions

July 1, 2024 8:05 AM UTC

Enhancing fiscal credibility is key post-election in India and S Africa, but also for Brazil.  India, will do this in the 3 week of July, but S Africa needs to move from ANC/DA led coalition optimism to reality quickly. Brazil needs to stop the vicious circle of sentiment building up on fiscal slip

Brazil: Adoption of Continuous Targeting Means Not Much Change

June 27, 2024 1:28 PM UTC

The Brazilian government has revised the BCB's inflation targeting framework, effective January 2025, to a continuous target system. If inflation exceeds the target bands for six consecutive months, the BCB must explain the discrepancy. The 3.0% target with 1.5% bands remains unchanged, alleviating

BCB Minutes: Deterioration of the Scenario Requires Higher Rates

June 26, 2024 1:32 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank maintained the SELIC rate at 10.5%, emphasizing a unanimous, hawkish stance on inflation. Markets question BCB's inflation control with upcoming leadership changes. External uncertainties, domestic consumption surprises, and rising inflation expectations were highlighted.

Outlook Overview: Cyclical and Structural Forces

June 25, 2024 10:15 AM UTC

•    The global economy is showing signs of healing, as inflation comes back towards targets and growth recovers momentum in some economies. Nevertheless, the cyclical headwind of lagged monetary tightening remains in DM countries, and will likely be one of the forces slowing the U.S. economy

Equities Outlook: Choppy U.S. and Outperformance Elsewhere

June 25, 2024 7:05 AM UTC

 •    U.S. equities are overvalued and waiting for earnings growth to catch-up, which leaves the market choppy, directionless and vulnerable to intermittent 5% corrections. Our forecast slowing of the U.S. economy before Fed rate cuts or nervousness about the post-election prospects are potenti

LatAm Outlook: Pausing the Cuts

June 24, 2024 6:00 PM UTC

·       Brazil and Mexico growth will decelerate from the growth rates in 2023. The stronger basis of comparisons in 2023 and the tight monetary policy will diminish growth during 2024. Brazil robust Agricultural growth will not repeat in 2023 while Mexico is on the limit of growing due to a

BCB Review: A Pause in the Cutting Cycle

June 19, 2024 10:17 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank kept the policy rate at 10.5%, citing economic uncertainty and a need for caution. Inflation expectations for 2025 are 3.8%, above the 3.0% target. Political interference concerns persist, but the unanimous decision indicates a technical approach. The BRL's depreciation ma

BCB Preview: A Pause Amid the Risks

June 17, 2024 2:34 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) is expected to maintain the SELIC rate at 10.5% amid external sector volatility, stubborn service inflation, and deteriorating inflation expectations. A hawkish majority on the board suggests a pause despite potential for cuts. Risks include rising food prices post-f

Brazil CPI Review: 0.5% Rise in May and Worsening Conditions

June 11, 2024 1:55 PM UTC

Brazil’s CPI grew by 0.46% in May, exceeding expectations. Year-over-year CPI rose to 3.9%, driven by significant increases in food and beverage prices. Services inflation also increased. Strong labor market demand and supply disruptions from floods are pushing prices up. With the BRL devaluation

Brazil: GDP Grows 0.8% in the First Quarter

June 4, 2024 5:21 PM UTC

The Brazilian GDP grew by 0.8% in Q1 2024, surpassing market expectations but below forecast. Internal demand, fueled by higher consumption and government initiatives, drove the growth. Consumption rose by 1.5%, and investments surged by 4.4%. Services and Agriculture sectors showed notable growth,

Brazil: Activity Surprises Again in the First Quarter

May 23, 2024 3:07 PM UTC

Brazil's Q1 2024 economic performance shows a promising 1% GDP growth, driven by a 3.5% year-over-year activity increase. Retail trade grew by 2.5%, reflecting strong internal demand and improved labor market conditions. Industrial production saw a modest 0.3% growth, with manufacturing stagnation o

Brazil: Possible Impacts of the Floods

May 16, 2024 1:07 PM UTC

Unprecedented floods in Rio Grande do Sul, a state that contributes 6.4% to Brazil's GDP and 13.3% to its agricultural production, have submerged several cities. The immediate halt in economic activity may reduce Brazil's Q2 GDP by up to 0.4%. The federal government is increasing aid, potentially ra

BCB Minutes: Worsening Conditions Demand Caution

May 14, 2024 2:35 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank's latest meeting revealed a shift in forward-guidance, reducing the cut from 50bps to 25bps. While no immediate actions were taken, the minutes highlighted worsening conditions in three key areas: External Environment, Fiscal, and Economic Activity. Despite split votes on

BCB Review: 25bps Cut, No Additional Guidance

May 9, 2024 1:11 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank convened, opting against a 50bps cut, reducing it to 25bps, lowering the policy rate to 10.5%. A split vote ensued, with 25bps winning 5x4. The communique, vague possibly due to board division, noted labor market and economic activity surpassing expectations. Foreign marke

BCB Preview: 25bps or 50bps cut?

May 6, 2024 1:02 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) convenes on May 8 to set the policy rate. Previous forward guidance hinted at a 50bps cut in May, but recent statements from BCB President Roberto and some weakness in the BRL have shifted expectations to a 25bps cut. However, we anticipate the BCB maintaining a 50bp

EMFX: Diverging On Domestic Forces Not Less Fed Easing Hopes

May 3, 2024 10:45 AM UTC

While U.S. economic developments, plus Fed policy prospects, will be important in terms of EM currency developments, domestic politics and fundamentals will also be decisive. These can keep the South Africa Rand volatile in the remainder of 2024, given the risk of a coalition government and African

Moody’s Improves Outlook Perspective Due to Higher Growth

May 2, 2024 2:27 PM UTC

Moody’s upgraded Brazil's outlook to positive from stable, maintaining its Ba2 rating, signaling a potential move to Ba1 soon. Strong growth prospects, attributed to institutional reforms, drove this shift. Despite lingering doubts, improved fiscal conditions and anticipated tax reform are bolster

Brazil: Credit Decelerating Amid Tighter Conditions

April 26, 2024 1:21 PM UTC

Despite the BCB's initiation of the cutting cycle, credit is anticipated to decelerate due to monetary policy lags. Enterprises face the most significant impact, with nominal growth dropping to 4.1% in February from 12.1% a year prior. While household credit growth slows to 10.4% annually from 17%,

Brazil: Wage Inflation Will Likely Not Be a Big Deal

April 24, 2024 3:19 PM UTC

Our analysis delves into recent trends in the Brazilian labor market, focusing on CPI and wage inflation. Utilizing a model akin to Ghomi et al. (2024) and Blanchard and Bernanke (2023), we dissect recent spikes in wage inflation and CPI growth. Notably, our findings suggest that recent wage spikes

Brazil: Revision of Targets Shows the Weakness of the New Fiscal Framework

April 18, 2024 1:39 PM UTC

The Brazilian government has revised its budget targets for 2025 and 2026, lowering the deficit to 0% and a 0.25% surplus in 2025 and 2026 respectively, from 0.5% surplus in 2025 and 1% in 2026. However, reliance on revenue increases poses challenges amid resistance from Congress. Despite reduced ta

Brazil CPI Review: Inflation Decelerates in March

April 10, 2024 2:57 PM UTC

The latest CPI data from Brazil reveals a modest increase of 0.16% (m/m) in March, slightly below market forecasts. Despite this, the year-on-year CPI has dropped to 3.9%, remaining within the BCB bands but above the central target. Notably, the Food and Beverages group saw the most significant rise

Brazil: What About the Fiscal?

April 3, 2024 2:31 PM UTC

In 2023, Brazil witnessed a significant fiscal decline, with the GDP surplus of 0.5% in 2022 turning into a 2.1% deficit, surpassing the targeted 0.5% deficit set by the new fiscal rule. Despite measures aimed at reinstating fiscal sustainability, immediate adjustments are unlikely. The deterioratio

Asset Allocation: Pausing for Breath

April 2, 2024 9:00 AM UTC

Into Q2, data and policy (actual and perceived) will dominate DM markets. The ECB will likely take the spotlight with a 25bps cut on June 7, as the Fed face a better growth/more fiscal policy expansion and a tighter labor market than the EZ but also with a better productivity backdrop and outlook to

Brazil: Inflation Report Points to a Scenario Too Good for the BCB Board to Believe it

March 28, 2024 2:20 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank's Quarterly Inflation Report reflects uncertainty over disinflation and emphasizes caution in monetary policy. Despite slower expected disinflation and inflationary surprises in certain sectors, the BCB projects optimism with inflation nearing target. Labor market data sho

March Outlook: Europe in Focus, Then Elections Around the World

March 27, 2024 9:00 AM UTC

BCB Minutes: Doors Opens to Diminish the Cuts Pace in June

March 26, 2024 1:11 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank has released the minutes of their last minutes. The minutes highlighted the uncertainty, labour market pressures and unanchored expectations. They decided to reduce the horizon of the 50bps ace to the May meeting which indicates a prospective reduction to diminish the pace

Outlook Overview: Europe in Focus, Then Elections Around the World

March 25, 2024 11:15 AM UTC

LatAm Outlook: Getting Deeper in the Cutting Cycle

March 22, 2024 7:04 PM UTC

·       Brazil and Mexico growth will decelerate from the growth rates seen in 2023. The stronger basis of comparisons in 2023 and the tight monetary policy will diminish growth during 2024. Brazil robust agricultural growth will not repeat in 2024, while Mexico growth is restrained by a tigh