At 9:16 am (Brasilia time) this Thursday (18), the commercial dollar showed a moderate increase of 0.72%, quoted at R$ 5.1430, with a cumulative gain of 1.70% in the partial week. On the previous day (16), the exchange rate rose 0.41%, quoted at R$ 5.1060. The DXY The index that compares the strength of the dollar against major global currencies was up 0.32%. This morning, investors continue to react to the decisions announced on Super Wednesday by the central banks of Brazil and the United States. Although the results were in line with market expectations, the communication adopted by the monetary authorities has generated reassessments about the next steps in interest rate policy. In the US, the Federal Reserve (Fed) The government maintained the basic interest rate in the range between 3.50% and 3.75% per year. However, projections released after the meeting showed that nine government officials… Fed They see room for further interest rate hikes in 2026, signaling a more cautious stance regarding the fight against inflation. During his first press conference as chairman of the US central bank, Kevin Warsh also reinforced the perception that there is no prospect of interest rate cuts in the short term, while announcing a review of the mechanisms for communication and formulation of monetary policy. In Brazil, the Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) reduced to Selic rate in 0.25 percentage points, to 14.25% per year. Despite the widely expected decision, the statement raised questions among analysts by mentioning the period after the so-called "relevant horizon" of monetary policy, used by Central Bank (BC) To assess the future impacts of interest rates on inflation. Domestically, investors are also reacting to the 9th phase of Operation Compliance Zero, conducted by the Federal Police. The investigation is looking into an alleged scheme of fraud, corruption, money laundering, and obstruction of justice related to Banco Master. In total, 18 search and seizure warrants are being executed in the Federal District, São Paulo, and Bahia. Among the targets of the operation are people linked to the financial system and public officials mentioned in the investigations. In the international market, oil prices fell again, with Brent and WTI contracts trading below US$80 per barrel. This movement occurs after the announcement of an agreement between Presidents Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian to end the conflict in the Middle East.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.