
Inflation edged up in Brazil in February to hit an annualized rate of 5.68%, following a 0.69% monthly rise in February, national statistical office IBGE said Wednesday.

Investment inflows into Brazil remain strong so far in March, central bank president Alexandre Tombini said on Wednesday, adding that 9.2 billion dollars entered the country in the form of portfolio and foreign direct investments in February.

Industrial production in Brazil rose 2.9% in January from December, government statistics agency IBGE said on Tuesday led by a jump in capital goods production.

Motor vehicle production in Brazil surged in February after auto workers returned from vacations, but production remains below levels seen in 2013 and sales have also dropped in the first two months of the year.

The average Brazilian voter for this coming October presidential election is between 25 and 34 years old, has on average a high school education and a low monthly family income, equivalent to 618 US dollars. He lives in the Southeast region of the vast country, in a small town with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants.

Brazilian officials inaugurated the Arena da Amazonia in the Amazon city of Manaus, the ninth World Cup stadium to become available for soccer’s showcase event. Three still have to be finished, including the one hosting the opening match in Sao Paulo in about three months.

Brazil recorded its largest February trade deficit ever, deepening a trade gap this year that underscores the lack of competitiveness from local industry. The deficit reached 2.125 billion dollars the trade ministry announced.

Brazil's private sector concerned with harsh times ahead, particularly with exports to Argentina and Venezuela are proposing that Mercosur trade should be done with local currencies leaving aside the US dollar. The initiative was launched by the president of the Brazil-Argentina Commerce Chamber.

UK's Public Health England (PHE) and National Travel Health Network and Center (NaTHNaC9 have produced a factsheet for football fans going to Brazil for the FIFA Football World Cup from 12 June to 13 July 2014 with information on how to stay healthy and keep safe.

Problems with Brazil's World Cup venues are under control with just 100 days to go before the first match kicks off, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Tuesday.