Economic reports from Brazil's Central Bank or Ministry of Economy

Brazilian Real Hits R$ 6.38 as Central Bank Intervenes with US$ 26.7 Billion Amid US$ 18.4 Billion Outflow

Dec 26, 2024, 01:14 PM

The Brazilian real has sharply depreciated, reaching a new high of R$ 6.38 against the U.S. dollar, amid ongoing concerns about the country's fiscal policies and economic stability. The depreciation reflects a 20% decline since the beginning of the year, attributed to investor fears regarding Brazil's fiscal management under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's administration. In response to the currency's fall, the Central Bank of Brazil has intervened by selling approximately US$ 26.7 billion in dollar auctions to stabilize the market. Despite these efforts, the dollar's rise has triggered a mass exodus of investments from Brazil to the United States, with a reported outflow of over US$ 18.4 billion in December alone. Analysts suggest that the combination of high inflation, a volatile political climate, and the strengthening dollar following Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency has exacerbated the situation. The Central Bank is expected to conduct further interventions, including an upcoming auction of up to US$ 3 billion, to manage the ongoing volatility in the currency market.