The largest ETF for Brazil has been forming a base since May and is now trying to break out as the government attempts to kick-start the economy.
The iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund (NYSEArca: EWZ) rose 2.8% in the past week and is 5.5% higher over the last three months. Nevertheless, the fund is still down 4.4% year-to-date. The ETF bounced last week at the 50-day simple moving average.
President Dilma Rousseff is pressuring banks to cut rates and reducing energy costs – electricity rates will drop an average 16.2% for households and 28% for producers – to help foster growth, Bloomberg reports. [Brazil Infrastructure ETF Builds Up on Stimulus]
“It’s a new concept, a new attitude,” Rousseff said in a national speech. “It means reducing production costs and the price of goods to generate jobs and income.”
Rousseff also promised to create conditions for lower interest rates and diminish taxes while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Moreover, the Brazilian president promised to keep a “fairly valued currency” – the real has depreciated 8% against the U.S. dollar this year and currently trades at around BRL2.03 to the U.S. dollar.
The Brazilian economy expanded a lower-than-expected 0.4% in the second quarter from the previous three months. Analysts project the economy to grow 1.64% this year.
Recent moves into Brazil and other emerging market assets may be attributed to the European Central Bank’s confirmation Thursday that it will start its “unlimited” debt buying plan.