Brazil’s IBC-Br economic activity index turned positive at the start of 2026, suggesting a firmer footing for the country’s economy after a soft end to last year.
Data updated on 16 March 2026 show the index rose to 0.80% in January 2026, reversing a decline of -0.20% recorded in December 2025. The shift from contraction to expansion in the IBC-Br, often viewed as a proxy for quarterly GDP performance, indicates that economic momentum improved notably at the beginning of the year.
While the underlying drivers of the rebound were not detailed in the latest release, the move back into positive territory will be closely watched by markets and policymakers as they assess the strength and sustainability of Brazil’s economic recovery in 2026.
