The Ibovespa advanced 0.5% to a record high of 196,000 points on Friday, extending the previous session’s gains, as sentiment improved on expectations of a pause in hostilities in the Middle East and a possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices were volatile as Pakistan prepared to host delegations from Iran and the United States, while Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to hold talks in Washington next week. Hopes for de-escalation boosted financial stocks, even as investors remained wary of inflationary pressures from higher energy costs.
Brazil’s annual inflation accelerated to 4.14% in March 2026 from 3.81% in February, driven mainly by an increase in vehicle fuel prices that pushed up transport costs. Among blue chips, Itaú and Bradesco each rose 0.6%. Utilities also advanced, with Axia up 0.7% and Sabesp gaining 1%. In the corporate segment, WEG added 1%, Rede D’Or climbed 1.6%, and Ambev also closed 1% higher.
