On a day of relief in the domestic and foreign markets, the dollar closed at its lowest value in just over 10 days. The stock market rose almost 2% and ended the week on a positive note.
The movement occurred amid the weakening of the US currency abroad, expectations surrounding the Brazilian electoral scenario and greater appetite for risky assets. In the oil market, the Brent barrel ended the session above US$94, pressured by tensions in the Middle East.
Main market numbers this Friday (21)
Commercial dollar: R$5.142 (-1%);
Dollar for the week: -1.53%;
Ibovespa: 171,031.73 points (+1.85%);
Ibovespa for the week: +2.45%;
Brent: US$94.39 per barrel
Brent for the week: +6.6%
Exchange rate retreats
The spot commercial dollar fell 1% this Friday, to R$5.142, after reaching R$5.13 at around 3:30 pm. It was the lowest closing level since August 10. During the week, the US currency accumulated a drop of 1.53%.
The result was influenced by the behavior of the dollar abroad, which reached its lowest level in three months in light of expectations related to long-term bond repurchase operations by the United States Treasury.
The DXY index, which tracks the dollar against a basket of six strong currencies, was close to 98.856 points at the end of the afternoon. During the week, the indicator accumulated a drop of around 0.80%.
The prospect of greater liquidity in the US public bond market contributed to reducing pressure on the dollar and favored currencies from emerging countries.
The real was among the best performing currencies on the day, alongside the Chilean peso. The euro hit its highest since May, while sterling reached its highest level since February.
Ibovespa rises
Ibovespa, B3's main index, closed up 1.85%, at 171,031.73 points, and registered the third consecutive increase. The index reached its highest level since August 10.
As a result, the Brazilian stock exchange accumulated an increase of 2.45% in the week. In the month, however, it still registered a drop of 3.91%.
Bank shares helped support the Ibovespa during the trading session, while the flow of foreign resources continued to be on investors' radar.
Data from B3 pointed to a net outflow of R$22 billion in foreign capital from the Brazilian stock exchange in August until the 19th. The recovery of the index comes after a sequence of heavy losses at the beginning of the month.
Oil advances
Oil closed higher this Friday and accumulated strong appreciation during the week, amid continued tensions between the United States and Iran and uncertainties about cargo transport through the Strait of Hormuz.
A reference for international negotiations, the Brent barrel increased 0.65% (+US$0.61), to US$94.39 per barrel. The price accumulated an appreciation of 6.6% in the week.
The WTI barrel, from Texas, rose 0.26% (+US$0.23) and ended the session at US$87.06 per barrel. During the week, the increase was 5.6%.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains below pre-conflict levels, while oil tanker traffic also faces restrictions in the Red Sea.
Negotiations between the United States and Iran remain paralyzed, keeping the market in fear of new impacts on the supply and international transportation of oil.
