Ibovespa Edges Lower as Investors Assess IBC-Br and Political Risks
2026-05-18 13:39
By
Isabela Couto
1 min. read
The Ibovespa edged down to trade below 177,000 on Monday as investors assessed economic activity data, domestic political developments, and stalled US-Iran peace discussions.
Brazil’s IBC-Br economic activity index contracted more than markets had anticipated in March.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s Federal Police are investigating payments made by Daniel Vorcaro to Flávio Bolsonaro and a possible transfer involving Eduardo Bolsonaro.
The probe follows reports linking Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, viewed as President Lula’s main challenger in this year’s election, to Vorcaro, the former Banco Master owner charged with fraud.
Abroad, Pakistan, acting as mediator, shared with the US a revised Iranian proposal aimed at ending the Middle East conflict, though negotiations remain stalled despite a fragile ceasefire.
Banks traded lower, with Itaú and Bradesco edging down.
WEG and Ambev both lost 0.5%.
Vale slipped on lower iron ore prices, and Petrobras shed more than 1.5% as oil prices retreated.