Sophie Laurent

Dollar Closes Lower on Thursday (30), Retreats 0.92%, Quoted at R$5.0608. Meanwhile, the Ibovespa, Brazil’s main stock index, rose 1.88% to 177.150 points. A series of economic data from Brazil and the United States dominated today’s agenda. In Brazil, attention focused on the Quarterly National Household Survey (PNAD Contínua), which showed a new decline in unemployment, dropping to 5.4 percent in the second quarter. Abroad, focus turned to U.S. GDP growth and PCE—the preferred inflation index of the Federal Reserve (Fed, America’s central bank)—which will guide interest rate policy. Regarding the Fed, investors also highlighted its latest decision on rates announced yesterday. The U.S. central bank kept rates unchanged within a range between 3.50% and 3.75% per annum—the lowest level since September 2022. This move aligned with market expectations and marked the fifth consecutive meeting where the Fed left interest rates at their current levels.

Amidst a week where Brazil’s unemployment hit a recent low and stocks surged despite global tensions and mixed economic data, markets continued to navigate the delicate balance between local hope and international uncertainty.

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