1. IPCA-15 stands at 0.54%

The National Extended Consumer Price Index 15 (IPCA-15), which is seen as the preview of official inflation in Brazil, registered a rate of 0.54% in October 2024, according to data released by IBGE. This result is higher than the rates recorded in September (0.13%) and October of the previous year (0.21%). The accumulated rate for the year reached 3.71%, while the 12-month period hit 4.47%, above the 4.12% recorded in September’s preview. The main inflationary pressure came from the housing sector, with a 1.72% increase, driven by a 5.29% rise in residential electricity costs due to the implementation of higher tariffs.

Other factors contributing to the rise in the IPCA-15 were food prices, which rose by 0.87%, with notable increases in items like sirloin steak (5.42%), ground coffee (4.58%), and UHT milk (2%), as well as dining out (0.66%). Sectors such as health and personal care (0.49%), personal expenses (0.35%), and communication (0.40%) also saw increases. On the other hand, the transportation group experienced a deflation of 0.33%, driven by a decrease in airfares (-11.40%) and in public transportation such as urban buses, trains, and subways.

Agência Brasil: Prévia da inflação oficial fica em 0,54% em outubro
O Globo: Prévia da inflação acelera para 0,54% em outubro aponta IBGE

2. Brazil to take over BRICS presidency starting in 2025

Starting in January 2025, Brazil will take over the BRICS presidency, assuming leadership of the bloc six years after its last term. The country plans to lead discussions on the reform of global governance institutions, multilateralism, combating hunger, and reducing inequalities. In the first half of the year, Brazil will focus its efforts through BRICS to promote sustainable development and strengthen cooperation among member countries in a global context that demands inclusive and coordinated responses.

One of the central topics will be the creation of a “partner” category for countries within BRICS, expanding the bloc’s reach beyond its current full members. This initiative aims to extend the group’s influence and increase its global relevance, with around 30 countries, including Cuba, Venezuela, Algeria, and Turkey, expressing interest in becoming “partners.” Additionally, the Brazilian presidency will pay special attention to the Middle East crisis and political and financial cooperation, while also preparing to host COP30 in the second half of 2025, reinforcing the country’s commitment to climate issues and sustainability.

Agência Brasil: Brics contorna barreiras dos EUA em disputa tecnológica com China
G1: Brasil assume presidência do Brics a partir de 2025

3. IMF report predicts higher GDP in Brazil and a decline in global inflation

The IMF has revised Brazil’s 2024 GDP growth forecast upward, estimating a 3% increase, driven by a strong labor market and foreign investments. This improvement reflects the country’s resilience, despite challenges like inflation and climate impacts. For 2025, the projection was lowered to 2.2%, indicating future challenges.

Globally, the report highlighted a trend of slowing inflation, with a faster decline in advanced economies. Global growth is expected to be moderate, with an estimated increase of 3.2% for both 2024 and 2025.

Additionally, the IMF emphasized risks from geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict in the Middle East, which could impact commodity prices, particularly oil and gas. These factors add further uncertainty to the global economic recovery, while international trade is expected to grow moderately in the coming years.

CNN Brasil: PIB maior no Brasil, queda da inflação global e mais: veja as previsões do FMI

4. Changes to Pix

Pix will introduce new rules to enhance security and reduce fraud. Transfers made from newly registered devices will have a limit of R$ 200 per transaction and R$ 1,000 per day to prevent scams involving unfamiliar devices. Devices previously registered will continue to operate without these restrictions.

Financial institutions will have additional responsibilities, such as monitoring unusual transactions and guiding customers on security practices. There will be a periodic review of potential fraud cases to strengthen efforts against irregularities.

In the future, the Central Bank plans to launch Pix Automatic in 2025, allowing for automated recurring payments like bills and subscriptions. Additionally, Pix by Approximation is being tested, offering the possibility of making payments by simply bringing the device close to card readers, without needing to access the banking app.

O Globo: Mudanças no Pix: entenda o que muda a partir de novembro

5. Brazil to launch green investment platform

Brazil will launch a platform aimed at boosting international investments in environmental and social projects during an event in Washington DC, highlighting the country’s commitment to a green economy. The new initiative seeks to attract funding to combat climate change and promote ecological transformation, with the launch scheduled for October 23rd. This platform comes amid global discussions on sustainability and the green transition, aligning Brazil with major international environmental agendas.

The meeting will also address topics such as global debt and forest preservation, proposing solutions for climate financing and sustainability. The event, held alongside IMF and World Bank meetings, underscores Brazil’s role in seeking financial mechanisms to mitigate the impacts of climate change and support sustainable development. The international visibility will be leveraged to establish strategic partnerships and attract new investments.

Agência Brasil: Haddad lançará plataforma de investimentos verdes, em Washington