I maintain a Hold rating on EWZ and other ETFs tracking Brazilian indices, citing unattractive risk-return for long-term investors. Recent gains in EWZ are attributed to global factors like Fed rate cuts, not domestic macroeconomic improvements. Brazil's political landscape shifted as Jair Bolsonaro supports his son for 2026, increasing uncertainty and market volatility.
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF remains an attractive play for 2025, driven by BRL appreciation against the USD and appealing valuations. High-interest rates in Brazil and lower interest rates in the U.S. attract foreign capital, supporting inflows into stocks. Brazilian companies should continue to benefit from lower costs on dollar-denominated debt, improving earnings.
I'm adopting a bullish stance on EWZ, supported by FX tailwinds, attractive valuations, and a potential stabilization of the Selic rate, despite ongoing fiscal and political risks. The recent rally in Brazilian equities has been driven more by dollar depreciation and foreign inflows than by local economic progress. EWZ offers efficient exposure to Brazil with a high dividend yield, but has high concentration in a few stocks and above-average volatility.
Brazil's Central Bank hiked interest rates by 0.25% to 15%, reaching the highest level since 2006. Lula's expansionary fiscal policies clash with contractionary monetary efforts, fueling inflation. Political uncertainty ahead of 2026 elections adds volatility. Market eyes opposition candidate Tarcísio de Freitas.
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF underperforms its top holdings due to index concentration and inclusion of underperforming stocks, making it less attractive long-term. Stock picking in Brazil offers better risk/reward by focusing on quality companies and avoiding structurally weak or overvalued names. I rate EWZ as 'hold'—it's practical for basic EM exposure, but direct stock selection is preferable for those familiar with the market.
Brazil's private domestic sector is supported by government deficit spending and private credit but faces a drain from the external sector. The stock market has been stagnant since 2009, but ETFs offer yields between 3-7% and potential upside if the USD depreciates. Aggregate demand in Brazil is positive at 4% of GDP, yet lower than countries like Japan and Germany with over 8%.
Brazil's economy faces challenges with inflation persistently above target and double-digit interest rates, which are impacting the performance of the EWZ amid global trade tensions. The Brazilian economy's reliance on commodities and the financial sector makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices and interest rates. Potential benefits from U.S. tariffs include preferential market access and increased trade with China, but risks like capital flight and higher domestic prices persist.
There are deeper levels to the big machine, the financial market, where investors need to understand the cogs that make it run and when one of them is starting to speed up or slow down in relation to all others. Understanding the world of global macro strategies, where knowing what sudden shifts might implicate for other markets, is the key to anticipating the next market move, placing the odds in favor of those who saw it coming.
Brazil's economic instability in 2024 was driven by fiscal mismanagement, rising debt, and inflation, leading to a 35% drop in the EWZ ETF. Despite initial bearish projections, EWZ rebounded in early 2025, driven by improved investor sentiment and global market rotations favoring emerging markets. The ETF's performance is influenced by political shifts, with potential government changes in 2026 boosting market confidence despite ongoing economic challenges.
“Brazilian analysts say the tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump against Canada, Mexico and China could cause a currency-related inflation surge in Latin America's largest economy, clouding the central bank's outlook for interest rates.
I am downgrading my recommendation on the iShares MSCI Brazil ETF from buy to neutral due to internal and external issues. Brazil faces rising interest rates, inflation outside the target, and fiscal problems, impacting its economic stability. Externally, the relationship with President Trump is strained, particularly on environmental and tariff issues.
Investors are focused on all-time-highs in U.S. equity markets and ignoring improving valuations in foreign markets. Emerging markets face a range of problems, but may also be undervalued, especially versus the U.S. The Brazilian equity market in particular looks like a compelling investment opportunity.