Brazil’s 10-year government bond yield pared earlier gains to trade around 15.19% in November, after President Lula sought to calm markets with renewed assurances on fiscal adjustment. Lula reiterated that his administration remains committed to fiscal responsibility while also prioritizing social programs, amid mounting pressure to unveil concrete adjustment measures and following a late-October election victory that triggered a sell-off in Brazilian assets.
Investors continue to focus on fiscal policy, particularly the government’s resolve to contain expenditures and stabilize public debt, which has risen markedly in recent years. At the same time, US nonfarm payrolls rose by 165,000 in the latest reading, surpassing all forecasts, while the unemployment rate edged lower. The stronger labor data bolstered expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain a restrictive policy stance for longer. Persistently high interest rates in advanced economies may, in turn, constrain the Brazilian central bank, pressuring it to keep domestic monetary policy tight. The BCB left the Selic rate unchanged at 13.75% at its most recent meeting, effectively pausing its easing cycle.
