Enter the Dilma of the oil industry

The learning curve

South American trade negotiations still need plenty of work, but some companies are slowly going regional.

Bahia: investors look to the land

In our second article on the state, we look at the maturing agricultural frontier.

Deal analysis: Mitsubishi, Actis, CAB and Brookfield

A round-up of recent deals, including moves in education, agribusiness and shopping malls.

Gafisa: rebuilding a homebuilder

The company has written off previous sales, emphasising the challenges surrounding low-income housing.

Mantega leads the optimists

As Europe and US settle into a more stable pattern, confidence is growing in official circles that growth – which dipped badly in the third quarter – is back on track.

Best of local comment: interest rate controversies

The central bank’s dovish minutes haven’t impressed local economists.

Agenda: airport auctions

The privatisation process gathers pace, boosted by a BNDES funding commitment, but other World Cup issues are unresolved.

Working assumptions for the year ahead

2012 holds good opportunities against a backdrop of gradual global and domestic recovery, says Octavio de Barros of Bradesco.