Ibovespa Inches Down as Middle East Tensions Weigh

2026-04-24 14:16 By Isabela Couto 1 min. read

The Ibovespa edged down to the 191,000 mark on Friday amid international market nervousness over Middle East tensions, as investors monitored a standoff between the US and Iran.

Tehran responded to the US blockade by demonstrating its control over the Strait of Hormuz, with few signs the strait will reopen soon.

Brent remained near $105, threatening to exacerbate inflation fears and global growth concerns while pressuring major banks and the broader index.

Itaú and Bradesco edged lower, while Banco do Brasil fell over 1%.

Meanwhile, Petrobras shed more than 1.5% after relinquishing its strategic rights in Braskem, which gained 1.8%.

Other notable laggards included Ambev, down 1.1% and Rede D'Or, down 0.5%.

On the upside, Usiminas surged about 7.5% after more than doubling profits in Q1 to R$896 million, while Sabesp gained over 1.5% after obtaining approval from Brazil's competition authority to assume 100% ownership of Paulista Geradora de Energia.



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Ibovespa Inches Down as Middle East Tensions Weigh
The Ibovespa edged down to the 191,000 mark on Friday amid international market nervousness over Middle East tensions, as investors monitored a standoff between the US and Iran. Tehran responded to the US blockade by demonstrating its control over the Strait of Hormuz, with few signs the strait will reopen soon. Brent remained near $105, threatening to exacerbate inflation fears and global growth concerns while pressuring major banks and the broader index. Itaú and Bradesco edged lower, while Banco do Brasil fell over 1%. Meanwhile, Petrobras shed more than 1.5% after relinquishing its strategic rights in Braskem, which gained 1.8%. Other notable laggards included Ambev, down 1.1% and Rede D'Or, down 0.5%. On the upside, Usiminas surged about 7.5% after more than doubling profits in Q1 to R$896 million, while Sabesp gained over 1.5% after obtaining approval from Brazil's competition authority to assume 100% ownership of Paulista Geradora de Energia.
2026-04-24
Ibovespa Falls on Iran Tensions
The Ibovespa fell 0.8% to close at 191,378 on Thursday as Iran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, renewing shipping concerns with no sign of resumed peace talks. On Wednesday, Iran captured two ships attempting to exit the Strait and demanded the US lift its naval blockade, which remains in effect despite President Trump's indefinite ceasefire extension. Oil prices rose, fueling fears of energy-driven stagflation and rate hikes. Bond yields climbed, pressuring banks amid concerns over weaker credit demand; Itaú lost 1.9%, Bradesco shed 2.2%, and Banco do Brasil fell 1.7%. Vale dropped 1.4% as iron ore prices declined. Petrobras shares remained flat on uncertain oil futures. In contrast, WEG gained 1.9%, supported by strong Q1 results from ABB, which serve as a positive demand indicator.
2026-04-23
Ibovespa Slips on Iran Tensions
The Ibovespa edged down to hover near 192,000 on Thursday as Iran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, renewing shipping concerns with no sign of resumed peace talks. On Wednesday, Iran captured two ships attempting to exit the Strait and demanded the US lift its naval blockade, which remains in effect despite President Trump's indefinite ceasefire extension. Oil prices rose, fueling fears of energy-driven stagflation and rate hikes. Bond yields climbed, pressuring banks amid concerns over weaker credit demand; Banco do Brasil, Itaú, and Bradesco all edged down. Vale shed 0.5% as iron ore prices fell. Petrobras dropped nearly 1% on uncertain oil futures. In contrast, WEG gained nearly 2%, supported by strong Q1 results from ABB, which serve as a positive demand indicator.
2026-04-23