Month: November 2019

Brazilian stocks to rise in 2020 after 2019’s Latin American turmoil

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SAO PAULO — Brazilian equities are expected to shine amid a fog of political and economic uncertainty in Latin America next year, outperforming regional peers due to record-low interest rates and a pending lineup of market-friendly economic reforms.

The latest Reuters quarterly poll shows Brazil’s benchmark Bovespa stock index extending this year’s rally to end 2020 at 130,000 points, according to the median of 18 forecasts from traders, brokers and economists.

 

Via Gabriela Mello via Financial Post

 

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Brazil Executives Testing The USA’s Global Entry System

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November 26th, 2019 – About 20 Brazilian executives will soon test the U.S. Global Entry system according to a statement from Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro chief of staff.

This announcement on November 25, 2019, enables visitors from Brazil to stop at kiosks in certain airports in the USA to have their fingerprints scanned, fill out a customs declaration form, and easily enter the country, reported Reuters.

 

By Dani Reiter via Vax Before Travel

 

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Equinor to drill 30-40 exploration wells and target Brazil in 2020

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OSLO (Reuters) – Norway’s Equinor plans to drill 30-40 oil and gas exploration wells globally in 2020, similar this year, with Brazil being a “hotspot” of its international efforts, the company’s exploration head said on Tuesday.

The company will drill about 20-30 exploration wells on the Norwegian continental shelf, focusing on the North Sea, plus wells at the Johan Castberg and Wisting discoveries in the Barents Sea, Equinor’s Tim Dodson told Reuters.

 

By  Nerijus Adomaitis via Reuters

 

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Brazil sugarcane growth can meet biofuel need and not drive deforestation: study

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Sugarcane production in Brazil could expand by more than 5 million hectares (19,305 square miles) by 2030 to meet demand for ethanol biofuels, according to a study published in the journal Energy Policy — with potential impacts on the nation’s carbon emissions and deforestation.

Biofuels are liquid fuels produced from crops, such as biodiesel produced from soybeans and ethanol made from fermented corn or sugarcane. They’ve been presented by advocates as a silver bullet for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, but critics argue that the clearing of native vegetation to make way for biofuel plantations, and the carbon emissions associated with that land-use change, can exceed the emissions savings gained by avoiding fossil fuels.

 

By Claire Asher via Mongabay

 

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From UBS to JPMorgan, Brazil Stock Bulls Are Running Wild

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From JP Morgan Chase & Co. to UBS Group, big Wall Street banks reinforced their bullish bets for Brazilian stocks this week, suggesting a year-long rally has further to go.

They are recommending clients to be overweight in stocks from Latin America’s biggest economy, saying a pickup in growth next year and record-low interest rates set a Goldilocks scenario for equities. The rally that took the Ibovespa benchmark index to an all-time high this month is just the start, they say.

 

By Aline Oyamada and Vinicius Andrade via Bloomberg

 

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Brazil’s net metering policy leads to growth in solar distributed generation

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November 22 (Renewables Now) – Brazil’s growth in distributed generation from renewable resources—especially solar—has increased since it implemented net metering policies in 2012, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) says in an overview. As of mid-November 2019, owners have installed more than 135,000 renewable distributed generation systems in Brazil, totalling about 1.72 GW of capacity, according to the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL).

 

By EIA via Renewables Now

 

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UPDATE 1-Brazil inflation in mid-November slips to second lowest in over 20 years

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BRASILIA, Nov 22 (Reuters) – Brazilian inflation fell to the second lowest level in more than two decades, according to a mid-month measure of consumer prices released on Friday, a figure likely to give the central bank extra cover to reduce interest rates again next month.

The annual rate of Brazil’s IPCA-15 consumer price inflation in the month to mid-November fell to 2.67% from 2.72% the month before, marking the lowest rate since September last year and the second lowest since March 1999.

 

By Jamie McGeever via Reuters

 

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Brazil Is the Big Beef Winner From China’s Hunt for Protein

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China’s effort to fill a protein gap created by the spread of African swine fever is rippling through Brazil’s massive beef industry, pushing up prices and profits for both cattle ranchers and meatpackers.

While China has been increasing local poultry production and raising pork imports from several suppliers, Brazil is the only big beef exporter able to meet the Asian nation’s demand. Chinese importers are snapping up all types of cuts, inflating prices along the Brazilian chain from calves to animals ready for slaughter.

 

By Tatiana Freitas via Bloomberg

 

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Gross Value of Agricultural Production is expected to grow 1.7% in 2019

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The Gross Value of Agricultural Production (VBP) 2019 is estimated at R $ 609.5 billion, based on data for October. The value is 1.7% more than in 2018, which was R $ 599.4 billion. In estimating the crops reach R $ 399.9 billion and livestock, R $ 209.5 billion. The value of cattle was raised to 6.6%, while the crops were reduced by 0.7%.

Most of the products analyzed has shown good performance, according to the survey of the Agricultural Policy Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. Among these, the main highlights are: herbaceous cotton (value of production increased by 17.5% compared to last year), peanuts (12.4%), bananas (18.7%), potatoes (101.4%) bean (56.4%), orange (4.5%), castor (37%), maize (23.8%) and tomato (10%). In some products, such as beans, potatoes and tomatoes English, prices were more important than the amount set for the result.

 

Via DATAGRO

 

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Why SoftBank Is Investing in Brazil, and Why Nobody There Seems to Care About WeWork

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SoftBank has made plenty of headlines lately, but for all the wrong reasons (like the downfall of WeWork, its once-darling investment in the United States). In other regions, though, the Japanese investment firm is managing to quietly dole out its mega-bucks—minus the intense level of scrutiny that follows its fund or other investments.

The growing middle class and fast adoption of new technologies has made Latin America—and in particular countries like Brazil and Mexico—a prime target for SoftBank. The firm has already made bets on 10 different startups in the region, according to André Maciel, managing partner of the SoftBank Innovation Fund. The exec spoke at this week’s Fortune Global Forum in Paris, where he talked about the various reasons why this region is so attractive to SoftBank. (In total, SoftBank is committing $5 billion in investments in Latin America.)

 

By Michal Lev-Ram via Fortune

 

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Brazil continues efforts to attract launch business

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HOUSTON — The government of Brazil is ready to move into the next phase of efforts to attract commercial launch business to the country with the ratification of an agreement with the United States.

Brazil’s Senate formally approved Nov. 12 a technology safeguards agreement that the country’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, signed in March during a visit to the United States that included a meeting with President Donald Trump. That agreement allows American spacecraft and launch vehicles to be exported to Brazil for launches there, ensuring compliance with export control and nonproliferation policies.

 

By Jeff Foust via Space News

 

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What Brazil’s Tariff Changes Mean for U.S. Manufacturers

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After decades shielded by closed economic policies, Brazil is changing its course on trade. President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration is slashing import tariffs on more than 2,300 products — reducing some to zero from as much as 20%.

For local businesses accustomed to protectionism, the policy change means being forced to adapt to the challenges of free trade. For American manufacturers, however, the world’s eighth-largest economy just became a new opportunity.

By Shelagh Dolan via ThomasNet

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Northeast resort project of Gremi Group aims to raise $100m this year

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The construction of a luxury tourism complex aimed at attracting foreign millionaires, where a bungalow will
cost between R$7.5 million and R$17.5 million, is expected to begin next year along 6.5 kilometers of beach in
Rio Grande do Norte state, in Brazil’s Northeast region.

The Eco Estrela venture, designed by Polish group Gremi in Baía Formosa, 100 km from state capital Natal, is
designed to compete with world-famous and environmentally sustainable destinations such as Porto Cervo, in
Sardinia (Italy), Sotogrande (Spain) and Mayakoba (Mexico). Hotels, resort facilities and luxury residential
units are planned.

Gremi group’s Polish businessman Grzegorz Hajdarowicz will do a roadshow in New York, London, Zurich,
Luxembourg, São Paulo and Lisbon between November 18 and December 15 to raise $100 million (R$417
million) with investors.

By Moreira Assis via Valor Internacional

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Demand for connected devices grows in Brazil

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Brazilian consumers are increasingly looking to buy connected devices for personal use and for the home, according to research carried out by software firm Avast.

According to the study, 31% of consumers in Brazil are looking to get a smartwatch. More women want a smartwatch (33% versus 31% of the males surveyed). The wishlist of Brazilian consumers also includes Alexa or Google Home smart speakers (30%), smart lamps (29%) and smart thermostats (10%). The survey polled 609 people from March to May 2019.

 

By Angelica Mari via ZD Net

 

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Protecting native vegetation on rural properties yields Brazil USD 1.5 trillion per year

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The 270 million hectares of native vegetation preserved by rural landowners (Legal Reserves and unprotected areas) yield Brazil the equivalent of some U.S. $1.5 trillion per year in ecosystem services, such as crop pollination, pest control, water security, rain production and soil quality maintenance.

The calculation is part of a paper published in the journal Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation and endorsed by 407 scientist signatories, including 371 researchers affiliated with 79 Brazilian institutions.

 

By Maria Fernanda Ziegler via phys.org

 

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Brazil economic activity picks up in September

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SAO PAULO — Economic activity in Brazil accelerated in September, closing the third quarter on the upswing and offering hope that the country’s long-struggling economy may be turning the corner.

The central bank’s IBC-Br economic activity index, a leading indicator of gross domestic product (GDP), rose 0.44% in September from August, well above 0.07% growth the month before.

 

By Jose de Castro via Financial Post

 

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Brazil and China close agreements in innovation and agricultural technology

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Brazil and China signed today (13) agreements and memorandums of understanding in the areas of politics, economy, trade, agriculture, health inspection, transportation, health and culture. Chinese President Xi Jinping, is in Brasilia to attend the 11th meeting of BRICS Summit and met early on Wednesday with President Jair Bolsonaro, at the Itamaraty Palace, informs the “Agency Brazil.”

Speaking to press, Bolsonaro said the government and Brazilian businessmen want to expand and diversify trade with China. For the president, the acts signed give impetus to these relations. “This bilateral relationship in various areas, including the Chinese government’s nod on adding value what we produce, all this is very welcome,” he said.

 

Via DATAGRO

 

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You are invited: The Post Lava Jato World

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Our NEW Member Murphy & McGonigle invites you to their event The Post Lava Jato World to Feature Leading Authorities Involved in the Enforcement Effort in Lava Jato. How corporates must adapt to the changing regulatory and compliance environment in LATAM

Tuesday,  November 19, 2019 – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

1185 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor

RSVP: mcurran@mmlawus.com / (212) 880-3989

Learn more: http://shorturl.at/lmXZ2

 

Brazil government unveils package to create up to 4 million jobs by end-2022

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BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazil’s government on Monday announced measures and legislative proposals to create up to 4 million jobs by 2022 and inject tens of billions of reais into the economy through loans and projected savings for private and state-run firms.

The proposals are aimed at generating jobs and growth in Latin America’s largest economy, which is on track to expand at a sluggish pace of around 1% for the third year in a row and boasts a stubbornly high unemployment rate of just under 12%.

 

By Marcela Ayres via Reuters

 

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Ministry of Agriculture launches project to boost innovation in the productive chain of soy

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The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply Cristina (PR) signed on Tuesday (12), Agrobit held in Londrina (PR), the project’s term sheet Coalition Soy 4.0, along with the Innovation director and technology Embrapa, Cleber Soares, the general head of Embrapa Soja José Renato Bouças Farias, the innovation Secretary MPLS, Fernando Camargo, the president of the Rural Parana Society, Antonio Sampaio and AgroValley manager – Londrina innovation cluster George Hiraiwa.

According to Farias, the project Coalition Soy 4.0, under the leadership of Embrapa Soja, aims to strengthen the innovation assets for the soybean crop. Embrapa Soja engaged in the development of technological solutions for the soybean crop in Brazil, bringing technical guidelines for production systems and seeking innovative solutions to the field.

 

Via DATAGRO

 

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Brazilian Digital Onboarding Startup idwall Lands $10M Series B With Qualcomm As Lead

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Online fraud and identity theft is a global problem. In Brazil, in particular, it’s estimated that those types of crimes cost the country about $15 billion a year. In fact, Brazil is ranked second in the world in terms of the number of online fraud and identity theft infractions. And, the country is home to one fraud attempt every 16 seconds.

Besides being a problem for its citizens, the issue also can negatively impact the country’s economic relationships with other countries, that may hesitate to do business there.

 

Via Mary Ann Azevedo via Crunchbase

 

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Brazil’s prison island turned paradise

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Few can claim to have visited the white-sand beaches and lush mountain jungles of Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha archipelago, but that’s not for a lack of trying. Around 75% of these 21 scenic islands set 350km off Brazil’s north-east coast were declared a protected national marine park and sanctuary in 1988, and in order to promote sustainable development, only 420 visitors a day are allowed to enter.

But while a trip to these volcanic clusters is highly sought-after by tourists now, it wasn’t always so. Between the 18th and 20th Centuries, the main island was used as a prison for some of Brazil’s most dangerous criminals.

 

By Ana Terra Athayde via BBC Travel

 

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Silicon Valley’s changing role as Brazil’s iFood shows how to innovate anywhere

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Brazil’s iFood is a great example of a highly innovative company that is very much a product of Silicon Valley — even though it is founded and funded largely by Brazilians (and South Africans). It has raised nearly $600 million and has swiftly built a giant business. It is one of Brazil’s nine unicorns today.

I came across iFood earlier this year at the well-attended BayBrazil conference in Silicon Valley, where Fabricio Bloisi, founder and CEO of Movile, a Brazilian mobile apps and investment firm, was the keynote speaker. Bloisi is a colorful personality, and he’s funny and humble considering all the success he’s had in business.

 

By Tom Foremski via ZDNet

 

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Exclusive: Brazilian Mobility Startup Kovi Raises $30M Series A From Global Investors

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Kovi, a fast-growing 17-month-old Brazilian mobility startup, has raised a $30 million Series A led by Global Founders Capital.

New investor Quona Capital and existing investors Monashees, Maya Capital, Accel partner Kevin Efrusy, Y Combinator, Broadhaven Ventures, Tinder founder Justin Mateen and ONEVC also participated in the financing, which brings Kovi’s total raised since its inception to $40.6 million.

 

By Mary Ann Azevedo via Crunchbase News

 

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Brazil unveils reform package to tackle huge fiscal deficit

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BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s government unveiled a bundle of wide-ranging reforms on Tuesday, aimed at cutting spending and reducing the size of the state to drive down its chronic fiscal deficit.

Pushing ahead with an ambitious privatization plan, he sent Congress a bill to sell Brazil’s largest utility, state-run Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA (ELET6.SA), known as Eletrobras.

 

By Marcela Ayres and Lisandra Paraguassu via Reuters

 

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How Brazil’s SoftBank-backed Banco Inter aims to supercharge loan growth

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SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Brazil’s Banco Inter SA , a SoftBank-backed online lender that has seen rapid growth thanks to its free checking accounts, is preparing to launch a smartphone app offering food delivery and ride hailing, its chief executive told Reuters.

The bank has seen deposits skyrocket in recent years but remains a relative bit player in Latin America’s largest economy.

 

By Carolina Mandl via KFGO

 

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Podcast market booms in Brazil

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Now the second largest market for podcasts in the world, Brazil is attracting increased investment from players active in the segment.

Brazil is only behind the United States when it comes to consumption of the audio format, according to Podcast Stats Soundbites. Large companies placing their bets in the format, like Google, expect non-English markets like Brazil and India to grow exponentially.

 

By Angelica Mari via ZD Net

 

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Bulls Bank On Brazil Again

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Brazil, Latin America’s largest economy, is lowering interest rates and the Senate there recently passed much-needed pension reform. With those factors, among others, in mind, perhaps it’s not surprising some professional investors are again warming to Brazilian equities.

The iShares MSCI Brazil Capped ETF EWZ, +1.70% is up 18.53% year to date, a gain that’s well ahead of the 9.88% returned by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. EWZ has a three-year standard deviation of 28.48%, also well above that of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, but this year, Brazilian stocks are justifying the added risk.

 

Via Market Watch

 

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Enterprise Rent-A-Car Launches Operations in Brazil

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The world’s largest car rental provider, Enterprise Holdings, Inc. – which owns and operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its integrated global network of independent regional subsidiaries – today announced its further expansion in South America with the launch of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand in Brazil, joining the National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands in the country.

 

Via Travel Pulse

 

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