Brazilian Real Rises to Over 2-Year High

The Brazilian real appreciated to 4.89 per USD in May, marking its strongest level in more than two years, as elevated interest rates and sustained foreign inflows continued to support demand for Brazilian assets. The central bank reinforced a cautious stance following recent monetary easing, indicating that ongoing global uncertainty and tighter external financial conditions may restrain the pace of additional rate cuts. The currency was further supported by stronger prices for major Brazilian exports such as oil and soybeans, which boosted dollar inflows. Oil prices climbed after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response to a proposed peace proposal, fueling concerns over extended supply disruptions in the Middle East. Soybean prices also moved higher amid stronger biofuel-related demand linked to rising global energy costs.

The Brazilian Real touched 4.88 against the USD, the highest since January 2024. Over the past 4 weeks, US Dollar Brazilian Real lost 2.19%, and in the last 12 months, it decreased 13.89%.

The Brazilian real strenghten to 4.91 per USD, its strongest level in more than two years, as investors continued to favor Brazilian assets amid high domestic interest rates and strong foreign inflows. The Central Bank of Brazil maintained a cautious tone after recent monetary easing, signaling that persistent global uncertainty and tighter international financial conditions could limit the pace of future rate cuts. Support for the Brazilian currency also came from resilient exports of oil, iron ore, soybeans, coffee, and beef, which continued to generate strong trade surpluses and steady dollar inflows. Meanwhile, expectations that the US Federal Reserve could gradually ease policy later this year, reinforced by falling oil prices, weakened the dollar broadly. Oil prices declined after reports that the White House was nearing a preliminary agreement with Iran aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the door to broader nuclear negotiations.