Brazil's central bank cuts, and might accelerate easing

Falling inflation expectations give scope for further rate cuts.

02-23-2017
Brazil-favela

Authors

Craig Botham
Senior Emerging Markets Economist
See all articles

The Brazilian central bank announced a rate cut of 75 basis points (bps), to 12.25%, as expected. The decision was unanimous and reflected favourable inflation developments and mixed signals on activity.

The balance of risks at this point was seen as neutral but the door was left open for acceleration in the pace of easing.

Potential for further rate cuts

Inflation momentum gives the central bank plenty of scope for easing at this juncture. Survey-based inflation expectations for 2017 have fallen marginally to 4.4%. Meanwhile, the central bank’s projections of inflation using the market-implied pace of rate cuts (so, 9.5% by year-end) has inflation falling to 4.2% at the end of this year compared to a 4.5% target.

Should activity disappoint, therefore, the central bank has signalled it would be comfortable in cutting more rapidly.

Focus on activity data and reforms

Indeed, the accompanying statement emphasised that a possible acceleration of easing would depend on activity data. The terminal rate, or the end of the cycle, would depend on the estimates of the structural interest rate.

It was mentioned that reforms could lower this structural or neutral rate, and so progress on reforms might imply a more extended easing cycle than the market is currently pricing.

To us, this suggests a positive balance of risks for the economy, at least from a monetary policy standpoint.

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The views and opinions contained herein are those of Schroders’ investment teams and/or Economics Group, and do not necessarily represent Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.’s house views. These views are subject to change. This information is intended to be for information purposes only and it is not intended as promotional material in any respect.

Authors

Craig Botham
Senior Emerging Markets Economist
See all articles

Topics

Craig Botham
Monetary policy
Latin America
Emerging Markets
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