FX.co ★ Ibovespa Edges Up on Banks and Commodity Stocks Gains

The Ibovespa inched higher on Thursday, rising above 186,500 after three consecutive sessions of losses, supported mainly by banking and commodity-related shares. The IBC-Br index, a key proxy for GDP, slipped 0.2% in December after a strong November reading, reinforcing expectations that the BCB will deliver the first interest rate cut of a new easing cycle next month. Banking stocks advanced, with Itaú and Bradesco up 0.5% amid optimism that lower borrowing costs will bolster credit demand. Petrobras gained more than 1% as escalating military tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher. On the downside, WEG dropped nearly 2%, prolonging its recent bout of volatility despite previously robust earnings.