Poor performance of Brazilian economy last year: estimates average 0.98% growth

Thursday, January 3rd 2013 - 00:20 UTC

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Despite the dozens of tax breaks and subsidized loans implemented by the administration of President Dilma Rousseff

Economists cut their estimates for economic growth in Brazil to 0.98% this year, a central bank survey showed, highlighting the sharp slowdown of an economy that just a couple of years ago was an emerging market star.

The world's number 6 economy was expected to grow 1.0% this year in a poll released last week, a far cry from the 3.30% expansion predicted by economists surveyed by the central bank at the start of the year.

Still, economists see the Brazilian economy rebounding to grow 3.30% in 2013 after an avalanche of stimulus measures by the government of President Dilma Rousseff that includes dozens of tax breaks and subsidized loans.

Some private economists have warned that the economy could grow much less than what the market predicts due to still weak investment and a slowdown in credit growth in Brazil.

Economists raised their expectations for inflation in 2012 for the fourth straight week despite the slowdown in activity. Inflation was seen ending the year at 5.71%, inching closer to the ceiling of the official target range of between 2.5% and 6.5%. Inflation rose to 6.5% in 2011.

Inflation will likely remain high next year with economists seeing consumer prices rising 5.47% in 2013, according to the poll of around 100 economists.

Categories: Economy, Politics, Brazil.

Tags: Brazil, Brazil economy.

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Anglotino
It would seem that hubris has caught up with all the BRICS.
Jan 03rd, 2013 - 12:59 am 0
The Chilean perspective
Closed economies cannot keep up a sustainable growth level for long, they ALWAYS come crushing down under their own weight.
Jan 03rd, 2013 - 04:28 am 0
Anglotino
Agreed! I always think of a juggler when seeing a closed or heavily regimented economy. When the juggler is juggling 3 balls it looks amazing and skilful. You stand in awe as he then adds a knife and bowling skittle.

The skill it takes to balance and control these objects! However throw in a football, kitchen sink and small puppy and things start dropping.

First it's one or two balls. No big deal, the other objects are so impressive. But the arms get tired and eventually everything comes crashing down. Hopefully the puppy lands on the kitchen sink and not under it.
Jan 03rd, 2013 - 06:19 am 0

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