(MENAFN- The Rio Times) Brazil's financial markets face a pivotal day marked by domestic manufacturing contraction, advancing tax reforms, and a widening policy divergence with a softening U.S. Federal Reserve, as highlighted in recent analyses.

Brazil's S&P Global Manufacturing PMI slipped to 46.5 in September from 47.7 in August, marking its weakest reading this year. The index remained below the 50 threshold, signaling contraction.

The decline was driven by softening new orders amid hesitant domestic demand, slower client restocking, and mixed global signals from Europe and the U.S.

This trend underscores broader slowdown risks that could affect jobs, tax revenues, exports, and related sectors such as trucking and energy. It also strengthens the case for monetary easing if economic activity continues to cool without reigniting inflation.

Parliament unanimously approved an income-tax bill that lifts exemptions to R$5,000 ($943) per month, with partial relief extending up to R$7,350 ($1,388). The measure promises bigger paychecks for roughly 16 million workers and greater spending power after years of bracket creep from inflation.

To offset the estimated annual fiscal cost of R$31.2 billion ($5.89 billion), the bill introduces a progressive minimum tax on high earners-starting at R$600,000 ($113,208) per year and rising to 10% above R$1.2 million ($226,415). It also imposes a 10% withholding tax on dividends exceeding R$50,000 ($9,434) per month.

The package could help stabilize public finances if Senate negotiations secure compensation for municipalities. However, uncertainties around the details and timing are keeping investors cautious.

Amid this backdrop, UBS flags a“tight at home, easing abroad” dynamic. Brazil's Selic rate remains steady at 15%, one of the highest real interest rates in the world, contrasting with the U.S. Federal Reserve's recent cuts.

This divergence positions Brazil attractively for yield-seeking capital-provided fiscal credibility is maintained through the 2026 elections.

In the second quarter, GDP grew 0.4%, supported by gains in services and industry. Unemployment fell to a series low of 5.6%, and core inflation remained positive despite a dip in the August headline rate.

If Brazil manages a smooth transition to gradual rate cuts under a firmer real, it could set a template for emerging-market stability. But any fiscal slippage could raise borrowing costs and pressure local assets.

These developments, alongside today's economic agenda, highlight Brazil's navigation of structural slowdowns, fiscal progress, and global easing tailwinds, with markets eyeing U.S. data delays from the ongoing shutdown and domestic indicators for rate-cut clarity. Economic Agenda for October 2, 2025 Brazil (10th Largest Economy, Nominal GDP: ~$2.125 trillion)

• 4:00 AM BRT – IPC-Fipe Inflation Index (MoM) (Sep): Consensus: TBD, Previous: 0.04%.

Implication: A softer reading could reinforce disinflation amid manufacturing contraction (PMI at 46.5), easing pressure on the Selic at 15% and supporting consumer stocks, but persistent core inflation risks from low unemployment (5.6%) may delay cuts, especially with fiscal costs from tax relief at R$31.2 billion ($5.89 billion). United States (Largest Economy, Nominal GDP: ~$30.50 trillion)

• 7:30 AM BRT – Challenger Job Cuts (Sep): Consensus: TBD, Previous: 85.979K.

Implication: Rising cuts could amplify ADP's surprise 32K payroll loss, signaling labor softening and boosting Fed cut odds, weakening the dollar to aid USD/BRL stability near 5.33 and Brazil's exports, though shutdown delays cloud nonfarm payrolls.

• 10:00 AM BRT – Durables Excluding Defense (MoM) (Aug): Consensus: TBD, Previous: 1.9%.
• 10:00 AM BRT – Durables Excluding Transport (MoM) (Aug): Consensus: TBD, Previous: 0.4%.
• 10:00 AM BRT – Factory Orders (MoM) (Aug): Consensus: 1.4%, Previous: -1.3%.
• 10:00 AM BRT – Factory Orders Ex Transportation (MoM) (Aug): Consensus: TBD, Previous: 0.6%.

Implication: Stronger orders could counter PMI slowdown signals, supporting U.S. growth and commodity demand for Vale and Petrobras, but weak data amid shutdown risks might hasten Fed easing, favoring Brazil's high-yield appeal per UBS.

• 10:30 AM BRT – Fed Logan Speaks.

Implication: Hawkish tones could firm the dollar, pressuring USD/BRL toward 5.35 resistance and export competitiveness, while dovish hints align with UBS's six-month pivot window for Brazilian rate cuts.

• 2:30 PM BRT – Fed Goolsbee Speaks.

Implication: Comments on labor weakness (ADP at -32K) could clarify October 29 cut timing, impacting carry trades with Selic at 15% and foreign inflows amid tax reform fiscal math.

• 4:30 PM BRT – Fed's Balance Sheet: Consensus: TBD, Previous: 6,608B.
• 4:30 PM BRT – Reserve Balances with Federal Reserve Banks: Consensus: TBD, Previous: 3.000T.

Implication: Shrinking balance could signal tightening, strengthening the dollar and challenging Brazil's real, but ongoing cuts favor emerging-market flows if fiscal anchors like dividend taxes hold. Europe (Collective GDP of Key Economies: Germany, UK, France, etc.)

• 2:00 AM BRT – French Government Budget Balance (Aug): Consensus: TBD, Previous: -142.0B.

Implication: Wider deficits could pressure ECB easing, softening the euro and boosting Brazil's steel/soy exports to Vale/JBS, though mirroring domestic fiscal strains from R$31.2 billion ($5.89 billion) tax costs.

• 2:17 AM BRT – Spanish Unemployment Change (Sep): Consensus: 15.4K, Previous: 21.9K.

Implication: Lower claims signal labor resilience, supporting demand for Brazilian commodities, but persistent Eurozone weakness (as in September PMIs) may cap gains amid manufacturing contraction.

• 4:00 AM BRT – Italian Monthly Unemployment Rate (Aug): Consensus: 6.0%, Previous: 6.0%.

Implication: Steady rates could steady regional growth, aiding Brazil's export outlook, though low unemployment (5.6%) parallels Brazil's inflation risks.

• 4:40 AM BRT – Spanish 5-Year Bonos Auction: Consensus: TBD, Previous: 2.479%.
• 4:40 AM BRT – Spanish 7-Year Obligacion Auction: Consensus: TBD, Previous: 2.734%.

Implication: Higher yields might tighten conditions, raising Brazil's borrowing costs, but ECB hints could lift commodity margins.

• 5:00 AM BRT – French 10-Year OAT Auction: Consensus: TBD, Previous: 3.17%.

Implication: Softer yields from fiscal focus could ease global rates, supporting Ibovespa amid U.S. jitters.

• 5:00 AM BRT – Eurozone Unemployment Rate (Aug): Consensus: 6.2%, Previous: 6.2%.

Implication: Stable joblessness may temper ECB cuts, strengthening the euro and testing Brazil's trade surplus.

• 1:00 PM BRT – ECB's De Guindos Speaks.

Implication: Dovish views could weaken the euro, favoring USD/BRL and carry trades, aligning with UBS's softer dollar scenario.

• 5:30 AM BRT – UK 10-Year Treasury Gilt Auction: Consensus: TBD, Previous: 4.522%.

Implication: Elevated yields could signal caution, impacting FDI into Brazil's high-rate environment. Other Countries

• All Day – Holiday: China – National Day.
• All Day – Holiday: India – Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti.

Implication: Muted Asian trading may soften commodity demand for Vale/Petrobras, though Tupy's China engine tie-up eyes long-term power gains.

• 1:00 AM BRT – JPY Household Confidence (Sep): Actual: 35.3, Consensus: 35.1, Previous: 34.9.

Implication: Slight uptick supports yen stability, sustaining iron ore demand for CSN Mineração.

• 2:30 AM BRT – CHF CPI (MoM) (Sep): Actual: -0.2%, Consensus: -0.2%, Previous: -0.1%.
• 2:30 AM BRT – CHF CPI (YoY) (Sep): Actual: 0.2%, Consensus: 0.3%, Previous: 0.2%.

Implication: Cooling inflation tempers Swiss demand for Brazilian agribusiness, pressuring JBS.

• 4:30 AM BRT – HKD Retail Sales (YoY) (Aug): Consensus: TBD, Previous: 1.8%.

Implication: Weaker sales amid holiday could dent regional exports.

• 9:00 AM BRT – SGD Manufacturing PMI (Sep): Consensus: TBD, Previous: 50.0.

Implication: Expansion aids Asian demand for Brazilian oil, benefiting Petrobras.

• 10:00 AM BRT – ZAR Total Vehicle Sales (Sep): Consensus: TBD, Previous: 51.88K.
• 10:00 AM BRT – ZAR Total Vehicle Sales (YoY) (Sep): Consensus: TBD, Previous: 18.70%.

Implication: Strong sales boost regional machinery demand from Brazil.

• 10:30 AM BRT – USD Natural Gas Storage: Consensus: 66B, Previous: 75B.

Implication: Builds could depress energy prices, weighing on Petrobras amid PMI slowdown.

• 11:30 AM BRT – USD 4-Week Bill Auction: Consensus: TBD, Previous: 4.080%.
• 11:30 AM BRT – USD 8-Week Bill Auction: Consensus: TBD, Previous: 4.000%.

Implication: Softer yields support risk assets like Ibovespa.

• 7:00 PM BRT – AUD Manufacturing & Services PMI (MoM) (Sep): Consensus: 52.10%, Previous: 52.10%.
• 7:00 PM BRT – AUD Services PMI (Sep): Consensus: 52.0, Previous: 55.8.

Implication: Cooling services may soften commodity prices, impacting Vale.

• 7:30 PM BRT – JPY Jobs/Applications Ratio (Aug): Consensus: 1.22, Previous: 1.22.
• 7:30 PM BRT – JPY Unemployment Rate (Aug): Consensus: 2.4%, Previous: 2.3%.

Implication: Tight labor supports Japanese investments in Brazilian stocks.

• 8:30 PM BRT – JPY Manufacturing & Services PMI (MoM) (Sep): Consensus: 51.10%, Previous: 51.10%.
• 8:30 PM BRT – JPY Services PMI (Sep): Consensus: 53.0, Previous: 53.0.

Implication: Steady PMIs sustain demand for iron ore.

• 9:05 PM BRT – BOJ Gov Ueda Speaks.

Implication: Policy hints could influence yen flows to emerging markets. Why These Events Matter: Brazil's IPC-Fipe will probe inflation amid tax relief boosting consumption (exempting 16M workers) but risking fiscal slippage (R$31.2B cost), critical for Selic hold at 15% per UBS. U.S. factory orders and Challenger cuts follow ADP's -32K shock, shaping Fed path and dollar (high-97s index), key for USD/BRL at 5.33 and export resilience despite PMI contraction at 46.5. Eurozone unemployment and auctions gauge ECB stance, influencing commodity flows, while holidays mute Asia-yet Tupy's China deal signals power upside. Overall, fiscal anchors like high-earner taxes must counter manufacturing weakness to attract yields in UBS's pivotal six months. Brazil's Markets Yesterday Brazil's Ibovespa fell 0.49% to 145,517.35 on October 1, 2025, pulling back from September strength as fiscal reworks and U.S. jitters tempered momentum, with the real slipping to R$5.3286 per dollar and turnover at R$20.7 billion ($3.91 billion).

Domestic tax advances included the Chamber's 493–0 vote to lift income tax exemptions to R$5,000 ($943) per month, with partial relief up to R$7,350 ($1,387).

Lawmakers also approved a measure raising taxes on betting and investments, expected to generate R$20 billion ($3.77 billion) in new revenue and add R$15 billion ($2.83 billion) in spending restraint.

Despite these moves, investors reacted cautiously due to uncertainties over implementation details and timing. Abroad, weak U.S. labor data added to easing expectations. ADP reported a 32,000 job loss, while the looming government shutdown reinforced bets on further Fed cuts.

Wall Street rallied, with the S&P 500 rising 0.34% to a record high. European markets firmed, while Asia saw mixed trading-Japan closed lower and Hong Kong remained shut.

Global risk holds but headline-sensitive, with Ibovespa above key averages yet RSI low-60s and soft MACD eyeing 144,000–145,000 support; upside to 146,800–147,600 needs Senate clarity and Fed dovishness. Read more U.S. Markets Yesterday The S&P 500 rose 0.34% to a record, the Dow +0.09% to a record, and the Nasdaq +0.42% on October 1, 2025. Healthcare led, tech followed, materials lagged. ADP's 32K payroll drop and slight ISM manufacturing uptick softened growth views amid shutdown delaying official data; 10-year yield dipped to ~4.10%, dollar softened (index high-97s). Gold hit record, oil at multi-month lows (Brent/WTI). Markets hit highs on Fed easing bets despite softening signals, aiding Brazil's real and commodities. Read more Mexico's Market Yesterday Mexico's S&P/BMV IPC dropped 1.57% to 61,929.72 on October 1, 2025, despite steady peso at 18.38 per dollar on softer dollar (index high-97s), as local factors weighed. Banxico's rate cut to 7.50% aids growth but trims carry; 2025 budget shows strong taxes offset by weak oil/Pemex, curbing optimism; Sheinbaum 's high approval eyes social spend but monitors security. Shutdown mutes catalysts, leaving fundamentals/technicals in play-Orbia Advance (+5.6%), La Comer (+1.3%), Genomma (+0.5%) led; Kimberly-Clark (−4.2%), Volaris (−3.4%) lagged. USD/MXN mildly up short-term, range 18.30–18.55; IPC uptrend with support 61,000–60,900, resistance 62,900–63,200. Read more Argentina's Market Yesterday Argentina's S&P Merval fell 0.5% to ~1.765 million on October 1, 2025, with peso stable (official ~1,400/1,450, blue 1,440/1,460) via central bank sales at 1,425, keeping 1–2% gap amid Dollar Index <98. Milei courts Macri network for reforms, eyes external aid for dollar scarcity; Glencore's copper push promises inflows if permitted. Urban poverty at 31.6% aids social calm. USD/ARS holds >1,389–1,402; Merval bases 1.67–1.70M, needs >1.80–1.85M for recovery-Ternium (+7.20%), Aluar (+5.10%) gained; Supervielle (−3.43%) lost. Calm from interventions, not fundamentals; copper/external support key. Read more Colombia's Market Yesterday Colombia's COLCAP held near 1,863 on October 1, 2025, with peso steady at COP 3,880 per dollar on coffee export surge strengthening currency/exporters, though expired Brazil auto truce hikes car prices for modest inflation, slowing rate cuts. Growth persists but debt tempers valuations; Dollar Index high-97s keeps USD/COP <3,900–3,920, potential <3,870. Mineros (+3.50%), Davivienda (+1.23%) led; Argos (−2.61%), Bolívar (−2.07%) lagged-coffee cushions fiscal caution. Read more Chile's Market Yesterday Chile's S&P CLX IPSA stayed under 9,000 on October 1, 2025, with peso ~960 per dollar on softer Dollar Index (high-97s), but "okay" copper limits gains, range-bound equities. August activity hit by El Teniente mine tragedy; unemployment down but informality/gender gaps curb demand; inflation ~3% keeps policy steady. USD/CLP mixed, short-term up bias 957–961, potential 968–975 or 943–945; IPSA uptrend >8,660–8,720, struggles 9,000–9,050-Itau (+2.36%), BCI (+1.27%) gained; Enel (−4.11%), CCU (−2.64%) lost. Stability awaits dollar weakness/copper pop. Read more Commodities Brazilian Real The Brazilian real slipped to 5.3293 per dollar on October 1, 2025, hovering ~5.33 amid U.S. data shock (ADP -32K) and shutdown colliding with Brasília's fiscal jitters from tax debates. USD/BRL ranged below falling 200-day average ~5.45, RSI low-40s neutral; four-hour RSI low-50s, MACD tentative turn, resistance 5.35/5.39/5.45, support 5.31/5.30/5.28. Softer dollar from Fed bets aids EMs, but tax relief costs (R$31.2B [$5.89B]) widen premiums-prolonged shutdown may underperform real; credible fiscal/Fed dovish could retest 5.30–5.28 low. Forecasts eye year-end ~5.25 if fiscal anchors hold, with IPC-Fipe/U.S. orders pivotal amid UBS's high-yield draw. Read more Cryptocurrencies Bitcoin neared $120,000 at ~$118,400 on October 1, 2025, after $430M ETF inflows Sept. 30 and $270M Oct. 1, on softer dollar and October's historical risk-on vibe despite budget fight. Ethereum +2.5% to $4,096, Solana +2.8% to $205.40, XRP +2.0% to $2.87. Brazil's fintech eyes adoption, but Selic 15% and U.S. uncertainty mute retail; RSI neutral, U.S. data key for sentiment amid tax clarity. Read more Companies and Market Industry Outlook Brazil's commodity economy gains from policy divergence (Selic 15% vs. Fed cuts) per UBS, attracting capital if fiscal credible through 2026 races, but manufacturing contraction (PMI 46.5) from weak orders/restocking signals caution, potentially hiking industrial costs and cooling activity without inflation rebound. Tax bill's worker relief (~16M exempt) boosts consumption at R$31.2B ($5.89B) cost, offset by rich/dividend taxes, supporting retail but testing budgets; low unemployment (5.6%) fuels spend yet inflation risks. Today's IPC-Fipe (4:00 AM BRT) and U.S. factory orders (10:00 AM BRT) will shape energy/export outlooks, with U.S. shutdown and PMI weakness adding volatility-Nubank's U.S. charter bid eyes fintech growth, Azul's August EBITDA R$664.9M ($125M) shows airline resilience. Read more Key Developments Tax Relief Approved: Chamber's 493–0 vote exempts incomes to R$5,000 ($943)/month (partial to R$7,350 [$1,388]), aiding 16M workers' spending but at R$31.2B ($5.89B) cost, balanced by 10% high-earner min tax and dividends levy-Senate tweaks key for fiscal math. Read more Manufacturing Contracts: September PMI at 46.5 (from 47.7) on soft domestic orders and global hesitancy, trimming output/hiring; watch restocking/exports for easing bias. Read more Policy Divergence: UBS sees Selic 15% drawing flows vs. Fed cuts, with Q2 GDP +0.4%, unemployment 5.6%; firmer real could enable 2026 cuts if fiscal steady. Read more Nubank's U.S. Push: Applied for national charter to offer deposits/cards/loans nationwide, led by Junqueira with Campos Neto chairing board; eyes deposit access for lending growth. Read more Azul's Resilience: August revenue R$1.89B ($357M), EBITDA R$664.9M ($125M) at 35.2% margin amid Chapter 11; liquidity R$1.67B ($315M) cash supports overhaul. Read more Gerdau's Pivot: 2026 capex cut 21.7% to R$4.7B ($0.89B), 2025 at R$6.0B ($1.13B) for maintenance/efficiency; eyes R$3.4B ($0.64B) FCF in '26 on Brazil margins, NA strength vs. imports. Read more Tupy's China Bet: MWM distributes Yuchai engines in LatAm (up to 4MW gensets), eyes local assembly for data-center power on biofuels; impacts from 2026 on digital/mining demand. Read more Moura Dubeux's Northeast: Q3 sales R$1.1B ($208M) +6% YoY, launches R$1.3B ($245M) +21.9%; VSO 25.6% (12M 53%), eyes Direcional tie for MCMV affordable units in Recife/Fortaleza. Read more U.S. Shutdown Jitters: Delays data post-ADP -32K, reinforcing Fed cuts but fraying risk; pressures Brazil exports like Petrobras/Vale amid fiscal/tax debates. Read more

MENAFN02102025007421016031ID1110140863