Dec 12, 2024 (MENAFN via COMTEX) --
(MENAFN - The Rio Times) The Brazilian stock market extended its winning streak on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, as investors eagerly awaited the central bank's final interest rate decision of the year.
The Ibovespa, Brazil's benchmark stock index, climbed 1.06% to close at 129,593.31 points, briefly surpassing the 130,000-point mark during the trading session.
In the currency market, the US dollar weakened against the Brazilian real, falling below 6 reais for the first time since early December. The greenback closed at 5.9557 reais, down 1.53% for the day.
Investors closely monitored President Luiz InaÌcio Lula da Silva's health condition. The leader is set to undergo a new procedure to prevent further bleeding in his skull.
This development has brought the 2026 elections into focus for market participants. The Monetary Policy Committee (Copom ) meeting captured significant attention.
Analysts expect the central bank to raise the benchmark interest rate by 0.75 percentage points to 12.00% per annum. This decision could have far-reaching implications for the Brazilian economy.
Stock Market Highlights
In the stock market, healthcare provider Hapvida led the gains, surging over 9%. The company's shares rallied on projections of a 5.6% price increase for health plans in the 2025-2026 period.
Software firm Totvs also saw strong performance following an analyst upgrade. Energy giant Petrobras, a heavyweight in the Ibovespa , gained more than 1%.
The company's stock benefited from rising oil prices and a new $800 million offshore services contract with SLB. However, mining company Vale's decline limited the index's overall gains.
Internationally, US markets reacted to new inflation data. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% month-on-month in November, matching economists' expectations.
This data is crucial as the Federal Reserve prepares for its upcoming meeting on December 17-18. The tech-heavy Nasdaq index made history by surpassing 20,000 points for the first time.
Alphabet, Google's parent company, saw its shares jump about 5% for the second consecutive day after unveiling a new generation of quantum computing chips.
As global markets continue to evolve, investors must remain vigilant and adaptable to changing economic conditions and policy decisions.
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COMTEX_460771824/2604/2024-12-12T08:32:44
