FX.co ★ Brazil Stocks Edge Higher on Softer Inflation

The Ibovespa index ascended to surpass the 163,000 threshold on Friday, bolstered by new indications of disinflation that strengthened predictions for the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) potentially reducing interest rates this year. December's inflation rate declined more significantly than anticipated, reaching 4.26%, which is below both the upper boundary of the central bank’s tolerance band and market forecasts. Performance in bank stocks was mixed, with Bradesco seeing a 0.3% increase, while Itaú experienced a slight decline. The utilities sector outshined others, propelled by Axia, which gained 0.9%. In anticipation of the Mercosur–EU trade agreement vote, optimism lifted meatpacker stocks, with Minerva jumping nearly 2% and Marfrig advancing 0.4%. Petrobras saw a 0.2% uptick due to rising oil prices, and additional stocks on the rise included Ambev (up 0.5%), Vivo (up 0.6%), and WEG (up 0.2%). Conversely, Vale underperformed, dropping by nearly 2%.