Brazil's Central Bank Bets On“Higher For Longer” As Selic Stays At 15%

(MENAFN- The Rio Times) Key Points
* Brazil keeps the Selic at 15% for the fourth straight meeting, the highest since 2006.

* Inflation is easing but expectations remain above target, forcing a long stretch of tight money.

* Trade tensions with Trump's United States add pressure on the real and argue for extra caution.

Brazil's central bank chose continuity this week, holding the Selic rate at 15% per year for the fourth consecutive meeting. Markets had almost fully priced this in, with B3 Copom options showing about a 97.5% chance of no change.

The Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) called today's level“significantly contractionary” and signalled it intends to keep it there for a“prolonged period.”

The message is clear: despite loud demands for cheaper credit, the bank is not willing to trade hard-won credibility for a brief growth spurt.

Inflation gives it some room, but not enough. The IPCA index is running in the mid-4% range over 12 months, still above the 3% target.

Copom cut its 2025 forecast from 4.6% to 4.4% and projects inflation near 3.2% by mid-2027.


Brazil's Central Bank Bets On“Higher For Longer” As Selic Stays At 15%
Yet market expectations for 2025 and 2026 remain stuck above the target band, showing how repeated hints of easy money and expansive fiscal plans can unsettle investors.

On the real economy, the bank describes growth as“moderating” and the labour market as“resilient.”

In its risk map, Copom highlights the danger of a persistently weaker currency, stubborn services inflation and a mix of domestic and external policies that could quickly reignite price pressures.

Abroad, the picture is uneasy. The Federal Reserve has begun to cut rates, but President Donald Trump's new tariff agenda, including higher barriers for Brazilian exports, clouds the outlook for trade and capital flows.

For an emerging market that still remembers inflation shocks and devaluations, this is not the moment to experiment with soft money.

The result is frustrating for many companies and borrowers, who face one of the world's highest real interest rates.

But for savers – and for those who believe discipline and anchored expectations are the safest path – Copom's stance is a bet that patience now will buy cheaper, more stable money later.

MENAFN11122025007421016031ID1110466173