The Central Bank of Brazil has reported that the national budget surplus rose to BRL16.19 billion (approx. USD 8.8 billion) in January, a marked improvement over the previous month, and over the same period in 2009. Signaling an economic recovery for the country, the Brazilian Government has announced that it has experienced the second highest budget surplus ever recorded in the month of January for the country. The surplus, which included revenues from the federal government, local governments and state enterprises, had increased ... Read More

In the face of falling revenues, Brazil's governing coalition are looking to implement a new tax on financial transactions. Facing a financial situation not dissimilar to governments worldwide, Brazil's leading coalition in Congress will attempt to instate a new financial transaction tax, to offset its own falling revenues and increased spending. The government will attempt to push through a bill which will see a 0.1% tax implemented on all financial transactions. The tax, if accepted, will see an extra BRL12 billion in the ... Read More