Brazil central bank says rate-cut path uncertain, dependent on data

BY Reuters | ECONOMIC | 07:12 AM EDT

BRASILIA, March 24 (Reuters) - Brazil's central bank said on Tuesday that the magnitude and duration of its interest rate calibration will be determined over time, as new data feed into its assessments, after it delivered a 25-basis-point cut to 14.75% last week.

In the minutes from its latest policy meeting, the bank said the decision is "consistent with the current scenario, in which the duration and extent of geopolitical conflicts, as well as mixed signals regarding the pace of economic activity slowdown and its effects on price levels, hinder the identification of clear trends." (Reporting by Marcela Ayres; Editing by Gabriel Araujo)

In general the bond market is volatile, and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. Unlike individual bonds, most bond funds do not have a maturity date, so avoiding losses caused by price volatility by holding them until maturity is not possible.

Lower-quality debt securities generally offer higher yields, but also involve greater risk of default or price changes due to potential changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to loss.

Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.

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