E Fund Itausa Bovespa ETF(QDII)

Brazilian Central Bank Expected to Gradually Ease Monetary Policy

520870

159100

Brazil's economic activity grew 1.3% in Q1, despite a 0.7% contraction in March, indicating a cooling economy. Services, a key sector, fell 0.8%. Economist Rafael Perez noted this reflects normalization after strong early-year growth. GDP growth is projected at 1.0% for Q1. The central bank is expected to continue easing monetary policy amid inflationary pressures, with annual inflation at 4.39% in April.

- Brazil's economic activity grew by 1.3% in the first quarter, despite a 0.7% contraction in March, according to central bank data.  
- The IBC-Br index, a GDP proxy, declined across all sectors, with services falling 0.8%, while projections for GDP growth in the first quarter are set at 1.0%.  
- The central bank anticipates continued monetary easing amid rising inflation of 4.39% as of April, influenced by external pressures such as the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.

fidelity

ChinaAMC Bradesco Bovespa ETF(QDII)

iShares MSCI Brazil

Thomson Reuters

Brazil growth holds in Q1, but steep March fall points to cooling

The Bovespa Index fell by 1566.54 points or 0.86% to close at 180342.33, marking its second consecutive decline. Over the last two trading days, it has dropped 3765.96 points or 2.05%, the largest decline since April 29, 2026. The index is currently 9.22% below its record close of 198657.33 from April 14, 2026, and has seen a year-to-date increase of 11.93%. Month-to-date, it is down 3.72%.

MorningStar

Factset Research

Bovespa Index Ends 0.86% Lower at 180342.33 — Data Talk

1325

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has launched a new plan to combat organized crime ahead of the October elections, responding to rising security concerns among voters. The plan includes $200 million in funding for 2026 and $2 billion for equipping security forces. Lula aims to disrupt money laundering and arms trafficking while implementing maximum-security standards in prisons. His main rival, Flavio Bolsonaro, is also focusing on hardline crime policies as they compete closely in the polls.

Yahoo Finance

Nomura Holdings, Inc.

Brazil's Lula launches plan to fight organized crime ahead of elections year

ARGT

The EU-Mercosur trade deal, one of the largest free-trade agreements, provisionally enters into force on May 1, 2026, despite a pending court ruling. The deal, which eliminates tariffs on over 90% of trade, has faced opposition from France due to concerns for its farmers. Supported by most EU countries, the agreement aims to diversify trade amid global challenges. EU leaders will discuss the deal with Mercosur nations, which include Argentina and Brazil, as it opens new market opportunities for both sides.

- The massive trade agreement between the EU and the South American Mercosur will take temporary effect on May 1, despite pending court rulings on its legality.  
- This agreement aims to establish one of the world's largest free trade areas by eliminating tariffs on over 90% of trade between the two regions, although it has faced opposition from France over concerns for its farmers.  
- EU leaders will discuss the agreement with Mercosur heads of state, noting its benefits for various sectors including automotive and agriculture, while also reflecting tensions between France and Germany on trade policy.

Global X MSCI Argentina

Blockbuster EU-Mercosur trade deal enters into force

DFEV

Emerging markets have reached record highs in 2026, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index up 14%, outperforming the S&P 500. Key contributors include the AI boom and strong performances from South Korea and Taiwan's tech sectors. Brazil's market has risen 16% due to its oil production and lower dependence on Middle Eastern crude. Despite optimism from falling interest rates and political changes, risks such as volatility and reliance on AI trends persist. However, emerging-market stocks remain attractive due to lower earnings multiples compared to U.S. shares.

Dimensional Emerging Markets Value ETF

Global X Funds Global X Artificial Intelligence & Tech ETF

iShares MSCI Em

ISHRS MSCI S Korea Capped

Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF

iShares MSCI EM Ex-China

Schw Em Mkt

iShares MSCI Emerging Mkts Val Fac ETF

iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF

S&P 500

Emerging markets rally despite Middle East war, energy fears

BRZU

The Bovespa Index fell by 2.05% today, closing at 184750.42, marking its largest one-day decline since March 20, 2026. It has now dropped for six consecutive trading days, totaling a decline of 5.80% over this period. The index is currently 7.00% off its record close of 198657.33 from April 14, 2026, and has seen a year-to-date increase of 14.66%.

Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X

Bovespa Index Ends 2.05% Lower at 184750.42 — Data Talk

According to a Reuters survey, Brazil's inflation is expected to be 4.5% in 2026 and 3.9% in 2027, compared to January's forecast of 4.0% and 3.8%, respectively. The Brazilian economy is projected to grow by 1.8% in both 2026 and 2027, consistent with the January forecast of 1.8% for 2026 and a slight adjustment from 1.9% for 2027. Out of 35 economists surveyed, 31 anticipate that the Brazilian central bank will lower the key interest rate from 14.75% to 14.50% on April 29.

CoinLive

Brazil's Inflation and Economic Growth Projections for 2026 and 2027

A digital transformation is underway in Brazil's energy sector, driven by infrastructure digitization and renewable energy integration. Critical communication is becoming foundational for a smart, secure, and resilient electricity grid. Wireless private networks are central to enabling automation, real-time monitoring, and operational reliability. The quality of connectivity infrastructure is crucial for future electricity operations. Traditional technologies are inadequate for current demands, and solutions like private LTE and 5G meet these needs effectively. Huawei and the 450 MHz alliance launched a white paper on this topic at the UTCAL 2026 summit in Rio de Janeiro.

prnewswire

Huawei

04:45 ETWitboek: Draadloze privénetwerken voor elektriciteitsnetten: de toekomst van kritieke communicatie in de energiesector

The BlackRock Brazil Fund received $337 million in inflows, marking the largest single-day inflow since May 2017

Wallstreetcn

BlackRock

BlackRock Tech and Private Equity Term Trust

BLACKROCK MULTI-SECTOR INCOME TR COM USD0.001(S/R 09/09/2025) WI

Blackrock Enhanced Div Achievers Trust

BlackRock Science and Tech Term Trust

BlackRock Multi-Sector Income Trust

BRICS nations have not reached a consensus on establishing a shared currency, according to Brazilian President Lula. Despite Russia and China now conducting 99.1% of their trade payments in rubles and yuan, the idea of a common currency remains unfulfilled. According to NS3.AI, local-currency trade frameworks and a BRICS payment system are expanding, alongside the development of a prototype BRICS Unit. However, India has shown resistance to the concept of a unified currency, while the U.S. dollar continues to dominate global foreign exchange transactions.

VanEck Russia ETF

BRICS Currency Proposal Lacks Consensus Amid Local Trade Developments

E Fund Itausa Bovespa ETF(QDII)(520870.SH)

Brazil growth holds in Q1, but steep March fall points to cooling

Bovespa Index Ends 0.86% Lower at 180342.33 — Data Talk

Brazil's Lula launches plan to fight organized crime ahead of elections year

Blockbuster EU-Mercosur trade deal enters into force

Emerging markets rally despite Middle East war, energy fears