Latin American markets ended in positive territory, with Brazil leaping forward on pleasing economic data. Mild bargain-hunting after Tuesday’s losses also helped. Wednesday’s gains were also attributed to foreign inflows, amid declines in U.S. markets.
Brazil’s benchmark Bovespa Index jumped 778.30 points, or 2.59%, while Mexico’s benchmark Bolsa Index climbed 170.94 points, or 1.10%. Argentina’s Merval Index added 14.76 points, or 0.90%.
Brazilian shares rallied on upbeat sentiment about the economy, and as foreign investors continued to channel funds in the region, amid weakness in North American shares. High oil prices due to Hurricane Rita and worries about the impact of the hurricane wave on the economy plagued U.S. markets again yesterday.
In domestic data, Brazil posted a current account surplus of US$ 822 million in August, below the US$ 1.75 billion registered a year ago, but still signaling strength in the economy.
Also, investors shrugged off mixed news on the political front. A poll showed that President Lula’s approval rating fell to 44% in September from 56% in June. Also, the lower House speaker resigned amid corruption charges.
In company action, Petrobras was in the spotlight, thanks to surging oil prices and after the company stated Tuesday it had found gas reservoirs of high quality off the U.S. Gulf coast. Also, Petrobras and electricity company Eletrobrás inked a deal to cooperate in studies and projects for electric energy generation.
In research, an investment bank noted that CVRD will be one of the primary beneficiaries of continued strong iron ore prices through 2010.
However, an investment bank downgraded steelmaker CSN to “neutral” from “buy” due to limited upside to a new price target.
Elsewhere, a local court reported receiving a formal proposal from a businessman interested in taking a controlling stake in struggling airline Varig, according to news services.
Mexican issues, meanwhile, rose as well, hitting new records. In today’s data, July retail sales jumped 3.3% from a year ago, or 0.8% from the prior month, the 31st consecutive monthly increase for the indicator.
Also, in corporate moves, Walmex rebounded from yesterday’s weakness caused by news that U.S. parent Wal-Mart had agreed to buy a third of Central American Retail Holding from Holland’s Royal Ahold NV for an undisclosed amount and is seeking a controlling interest in the company.
Argentine stocks advanced, in line with regional counterparts. Of note, gross domestic product grew 0.7% in July from June, or 7.8% from the prior year, lower than expectations for 8% growth, but still demonstrating robust expansion.
Thomson Financial Corporate Group – www.thomsonfinancial.com