FX.co ★ Ibovespa Rises to 7-Month High

The Ibovespa index increased by 0.6%, surpassing the 135,500 mark on Monday, continuing its robust performance from the previous week and reaching its highest point since September. This rise was driven by emerging signs of easing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, which improved export prospects for Brazilian companies. In Brazil, the current-account deficit for March expanded to $2.245 billion, marking the largest shortfall for March since the previous year. Meanwhile, foreign direct investment amounted to $5.99 billion, which fell short of the expected range of $6.6–11.6 billion, highlighting ongoing challenges in obtaining external funding. According to the central bank's latest Focus survey, inflation expectations for 2025 remain above the 5% target ceiling. Additionally, data on industry confidence from FGV indicates weakened factory orders, dampening hopes for immediate interest rate reductions despite Governor Galípolo's supportive approach. Among individual companies, WEG, Banco Santander, B3, Embraer, and CPFL Energia saw significant gains, with each rising between 1% and 1.7%.