Brazilian consumers are finally regaining their confidence, lending greater momentum to the economic recovery. That is the clear conclusion of our latest consumer survey, based on interviews with 1,005 Brazilians and conducted in mid to late October.

How local commentators see the implications of the local elections, which saw the governing Workers’ Party (PT) advance in São Paulo but slip elsewhere.

Meat exports have held up fairly well in 2012, but accessing new markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East remains key.

Reports by the WTO and OECD add ammunition to the debate in Brazil over trade barriers.

Consumers are more confident about the economic outlook, and report increased spending.

BVA, the latest lender to be taken over by the central bank, is unlikely to find a buyer, after its reliance on questionable accounting practices was exposed. However, not all small banks should be tarred with a single brush.

Brazil has come a long way in most investors’ eyes since the 2008 US election. On the equity markets, though, it has come halfway back again.

Failure to reach an agreement on royalties distribution threatens the May 2013 deadline.