Macro view

Brazil’s hard sell

Consumer Survey

Mixed signals from consumers

January data from our consumer survey shows a hesitant start to 2013, but several key indices remain at high levels.

Resources

Mining code – legislators ready to act

Increased royalties and new local content requirements are under discussion in Brasília. The process echoes the complexities in reforming oil royalties, although we see several factors pointing to a smoother resolution.

Business

Private security firms – new laws could drive formalisation

Draft legislation could loosen the grip of informal security businesses, and grant judicial certainty to foreign investors. Yet much would depend on implementation.

Crime: public perceptions worsen

There is little evidence of a generalised rise in crime, although attacks in São Paulo – and the displacement of gangs to the north-east – present serious challenges to the authorities.

Infrastructure

Gearing up for an investment push

Changes to the concessions model reflect pragmatic government thinking, but some details still need defining.

Figueiredo – the point man on infrastructure

Named to head the Planning and Logistics Company (EPL) last September, Bernardo Figueiredo is very much in charge of executing President Dilma Rousseff’s vision.

Bulls and Bears

Inflation’s grip on policy

In each of the past six months, inflation figures have exceeded expectations. The market still seems to be giving the central bank another chance.

Agenda: Rousseff to tour north-east

In a further sign that the presidential campaign may be beginning, the president will visit three north-eastern states, shortly after detailing her legislative agenda for 2013.

Issue archive

14 February 2013