Brazil lowers benchmark rate to 14.75%, first cut in nearly two yearsBRASÍLIA, March 19, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Brazil's Central Bank lowered its benchmark interest rate on Wednesday for the first time in nearly two years, though it urged caution due to fuel price volatility caused by the Iran war. The bank lowered the key rate, known as the Selic and currently one of the highest in the world, to 14.75 percent from 15 percent. "Such a situation demands caution on the part of emerging economies, in a context of increased price volatility for financial assets and raw materials," it added. Brazil's inflation slowed to an annual rate of 3.8 percent in February, within the range targeted by the central bank. But economists noted the decline was due in part to lower fuel prices -- which could again turn higher if the war in the Middle East drags on.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 19, 2026 03:06 UTC