In February, Moody’s downgraded debt issued by Petrobras (NYSE: PBR) to Ba2, two levels below investment grade, stoking speculation regarding Brazil’s sovereign credit rating.
Multiple factors are dragging on the Brazilian economy. Unemployment rose to 7.9% in September from 4.7% in October last year. Inflation has jumped over 10% for the first time since 2002. The budget deficit has widened to 9.5% of GDP. Additionally, lower commodity prices, diminishing consumer credit boom and a corruption scandal at state-run oil giant Petroleo Brasileiro have all weighed on the economy. [Corruption Probe Plagues Brazil ETF]
Brazil’s real is in a wicked slump against against the dollar and resides at multi-year lows against the greenback. The real could face increasing pressure as global investors price in the rising odds of additional credit downgrades for Brazil. [Bad News for Brazil ETFs]
iShares MSCI Brazil Capped ETF
