The dollar opened slightly higher as investors reacted to rising oil prices linked to new attacks in the Middle East and ongoing interest rate decisions in the U.S. and Brazil.
On Thursday, the dollar opened with a slight increase, reflecting investor concerns over a surge in oil prices that rose by nearly 11% to exceed $119 per barrel, marking the highest level since early March. This spike is primarily attributed to a new wave of attacks initiated by Israel and the U.S. on Iran, which in turn has retaliated with bombings of energy facilities across several Middle Eastern countries.
Market analysts are also focusing on recent decisions regarding interest rates in both the United States and Brazil. The Federal Reserve decided to maintain its rate between 3.5% and 3.75%, while Brazil's Central Bank (Copom) reduced the Selic rate to 14.75%, albeit with a smaller cut than previously anticipated due to the ongoing conflict. The Federal Reserve's decision has significantly influenced trading patterns, making it a central point of discussion among investors.
As of 9:16 AM, the U.S. dollar had risen by 0.23%, trading at R$ 5.2554, following a previous closing increase of 0.72% at R$ 5.243. Additionally, the Brazilian stock market experienced a dip of 0.42%, settling at 179,639 points, indicating a cautious approach from investors amid geopolitical tensions and economic policy changes.
