Brazil central bank holds rates, flags increased inflation expectations

Brazil’s central bank cited rising inflation expectations as it kept interest rates unchanged for the fifth consecutive policy meeting on Wednesday, drawing concern from the government and weakening bets of imminent monetary easing.
The bank’s rate-setting committee, known as Copom, maintained its Selic benchmark interest rate at 13.75%.
The decision, which defied intense pressure from the new government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to reduce borrowing costs, matched the expectations of all 30 respondents in a Reuters poll.
By Marcela Ayres via Reuters