PERSONAL FINANCES 
The latest labor market figures released by Brazil’s IBGE on Friday, November 28, 2025, show the unemployment rate has once again fallen below a historically low threshold, reaching 5.4% in the quarter ending October. This persistent decline, however, is accompanied by worrying signals of a cooling economy. While the jobless rate continues to impress, the … Read more
The French National Assembly has once again voiced its strong opposition to the proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc. This renewed stance comes as deputies passed a resolution aimed at establishing a blocking minority within the Council of the European Union, signaling significant internal dissent. This move by the … Read more
National Monetary Council Expands Credit Opportunities for Brazilian States and Municipalities The National Monetary Council (CMN) has announced a substantial increase in the credit limits available for states and municipalities in Brazil. This decision aims to provide greater financial flexibility for subnational governments to undertake essential infrastructure and development projects. The move comes as existing … Read more
President Lula’s recent sanction of income tax exemption for individuals earning up to R$5,000 and reduced rates for those up to R$7,350 monthly, effective 2026, is poised to significantly alter Brazil’s economic landscape. This policy shift, designed to benefit a large segment of the workforce, is now under scrutiny for its potential ripple effects. According … Read more
The U.S. economy has demonstrated a steady, albeit subdued, performance in recent weeks, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book report. While overall economic activity has seen minimal shifts, the report highlights a notable cooling in the labor market, with employment weakening in approximately half of the Fed’s 12 districts. Consumer spending has also … Read more
Get ready for the biggest shopping event of the year, as Black Friday 2025 is projected to shatter previous records, with sales expected to reach a staggering R$ 5.4 billion. This forecast comes from the Confederação Nacional do Comércio de Bens, Serviços e Turismo (CNC), highlighting a significant boost in consumer spending. If these projections … Read more
Food Prices Cool in IPCA-15, Fueling January Selic Rate Cut Hopes as Inflation Hits 4.50% The latest inflation preview, the IPCA-15, released on Wednesday, November 26th, indicated a 0.20% increase. This figure was primarily driven by service costs, while a slowdown in food prices provided some relief. The accumulated 12-month inflation reached 4.50%, hitting the … Read more
As 2025 draws to a close, the economic landscape in Brazil presents a complex scenario. Global interest rates are reversing their upward trend, the Selic rate has returned to 15%, and fiscal concerns have re-emerged as a central point of discussion. Adding to this, the inescapable reality of an election in 2026 looms, potentially intensifying … Read more
Economic Uncertainty Looms for Brazil in 2026 Roberto Padovani, the Chief Economist at Banco BV, is urging a stance of caution as Brazil navigates the economic landscape of 2026. He highlights a year brimming with doubts, both within Brazil’s domestic economy and on the international stage. While Brazil’s current economic standing shows positive signs with … Read more
Brazil’s Government Set to Achieve 2025 Fiscal Target, Ministry Official States The Brazilian government is on track to meet its primary surplus fiscal target for 2025, a significant achievement that elicits pride and confidence within the economic team. This milestone is seen as a crucial step in re-establishing fiscal balance for the nation. Dario Durigan, … Read more
