Brazil

Thursday, December 31st 2009 - 09:15 UTC
Brazil’s market soars 83% in 2009 and Real appreciates 34% against US dollar

The performance of Brazilian stocks in 2009 has been one of the highest in the world while the local currency, the Real reflected the recovery of Latinamerica’s largest economy by appreciating 34% against the US dollar this year.
Wednesday, December 30th 2009 - 15:31 UTC
Cannabis by product helps reduce effects of Parkinson disease medication

Researchers from Brazil’s prestigious University of Sao Paulo have discovered that marihuana contains substances which can help ease the collateral effects of medicines prescribed to patients suffering from Parkinson disease.
Monday, December 28th 2009 - 12:44 UTC
Polls have Governor Serra leading comfortably in Brazilian presidential race

The opposition Social democrat governor of Sao Paulo, Jose Serra, remains as the clear leader to win next year’s Brazilian presidential election, according to the latest public poll released by the top selling magazine Istoé.
Monday, December 28th 2009 - 12:27 UTC
Calls on Brazil’s highest court to review censorship on investigative reports

The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) has urged Brazil’s Federal Supreme Court to review its decision that resulted in the ongoing censorship of investigative reports that might expose wrongdoing in the Federal Senate.
Monday, December 28th 2009 - 09:09 UTC
Lula da Silva unhappy with the media sponsors “social control” of content

Brazil’s most popular president in recent history, Lula da Silva, seems to be in a collision course with some of the big media corporations. His administration is sponsoring a National Conference on Communications allegedly to draft a regulatory framework which media corporations claim has an only purpose, government control of the press and its content.
Friday, December 25th 2009 - 16:40 UTC
US Senate confirms ambassadors: Shannon to Brazil and Nelson to Uruguay

United States Senate confirmed Thomas Shannon as the newly appointed US Ambassador to Brazil, after a long delay due to the veto of Republican national deputies, who have showed discontent towards US President Barack Obama's policies as regards Latin America.
Friday, December 25th 2009 - 15:43 UTC
Le Monde names Brazil’s Lula da Silva as “Man of the Year”

French daily Le Monde named Brazilian President Lula da Silva “Man of the Year” for “personifying a giant”. It is the first time in its history the French publication has made this designation.
Wednesday, December 23rd 2009 - 15:23 UTC
Brazilian Central bank ready to “preventively” increase rates in 2010

Brazil’s Central bank is ready to act preventively to fight inflation after it forecast growth in 2010 will accelerate to the fastest in three years, triggering above-target inflation, said Mario Mesquita, the bank’s Economic policy director.
Wednesday, December 23rd 2009 - 06:13 UTC
Brazil not pressing Paraguay on Venezuela’s Mercosur incorporation

The Brazilian government is not putting pressure on the Paraguayan Congress to vote the full incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur. Paraguay is the only remaining full member which still has to vote for Venezuela to join the South American trade block, following last week’s Brazilian senate divided approval.
Tuesday, December 22nd 2009 - 16:30 UTC
“Truth Commission” still divides Lula da Silva’s cabinet

Brazilian president Lula da Silva said it was “worth while” to fight against the military dictatorship, which lasted from 1964 to 1985. He made the statements during the launching of a Human Rights program which includes the possibility of creating a Truth Commission to investigate crimes committed under the de facto regime.