Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- The U.S. dollar has reached an 18-month low, indicating potential currency fluctuations in the global market.
- Brazils job market is surging, with over 1.2 million new payroll jobs created in 2025, which could predict economic activity and potentially lead to Selic rate cuts.
- The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady between 3.50% and 3.75%, while Brazil’s Central Bank kept the Selic rate at 15%.
- President Trump reiterated his criticism of the Federal Reserve for maintaining high interest rates, arguing that they harm the U.S., cost billions, and threaten national security.
Recommended products
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
U.S. Dollar Hits 18-Month Low, Brazil Job Market Surges Amid Fed Rate Hold and Presidential Criticism
The U.S. dollar closed at 5.19, reaching its lowest point in over a year and a half. In Brazil, the Ibovespa stock index also declined during the final hours of trading, amid scrutiny of economic news following interest rate decisions from both the Brazilian and U.S. central banks. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve maintained its rate between 3.50% and 3.75%, while Brazil’s Central Bank held the Selic rate at 15%. December data from Brazil’s Caged showed that the country created over 1.2 million new payroll jobs in 2025. According to G1, this job creation will help predict economic activity early next year and assess whether the Central Bank might soon cut Selic rates. After the Fed’s decision to hold steady interest rates, President Trump reiterated his criticism of the central bank. He stated on Truth Social that Jerome Powell had no reason to maintain high rates, arguing that they harm the U.S., cost billions, and threaten national security. In the U.S., investors monitored weekly jobless claims and trade balance figures to gauge the economy’s growth rate, while also paying close attention to corporate earnings.
In Case You Missed It
“From gaming delights to gaming giants, we’ve got a trio of posts that’ll make your day! First up, Sophie Laurent shares the lineup of new games joining PlayStation Plus starting February 3rd. Mark your calendars for February and prepare to dive into realistic boxing action with Undisputed, explore an icy underwater world in Subnautica: Below Zero, experience time-bending combat and gardening in Ultros, or engage in high-octane aerial warfare with Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Playstation Plus: Check Out the Games Entering the Catalog Starting February 3rd. Then, Carlos Mendoza takes us on a journey through time to examine the remarkable success story of Metal Gear, which has sold over 65 million units worldwide and continues to lead with its latest installment Delta Metal Gear is a Franchise That Sold 65 Million Units. And lastly, Ahmed Hassan brings us news of an unexpected promotion on the PlayStation Store – Life is Strange 2 is free due to a network error! Join Sean and Daniel’s journey without any charge while this glitch persists PlayStation Store Error Makes Life is Strange 2 Free.