Today's highlights: Forecast of a slowdown in inflation; Petrobras can expect dividends; INSS releases 1,5 million arrears; spending cuts affect health and education, etc.

Inflation in Brazil moderated between June and July, new data from IBGE showed. Although price increases have eased, the government is expected to implement a new block of billions of dollars in this year's budget, with specific implications for health and education.

The financial relief that the executive seeks may come, at least in part, from Petrobras' dividend, which he believes can be distributed to its shareholders more quickly. The measure is a requirement of the government itself.

Among the highlights of this Wednesday (27), the INSS can also see the R$1,5 billion owed to its policyholders in August. Also check out the new currency launched by the central bank, the first with a wealth of details.

Inflation forecast reaches 0,13% in July

The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) released preliminary data yesterday on the country's official inflation. The Broad National Consumer Price Index 15 (IPCA-15) registered an increase of 0,13% in July, a drop of 0,56% compared to June.

This is the smallest change in the metric since June 2020, when it was 0,02%. The rate calculated last July was 0,72%.

The IPCA-15 rose 5,79% since January, the third highest since 2000. In the 12-month period, the previews totaled 11,39%, slightly below the 12,04% recorded in June.

The index is made up of nine groups of products and services, six of which had positive variations this month. The biggest factor contributing to the slowdown is the reduction in ICMS (Tax on Circulation of Goods) rates for fuel, electricity and communications.

Brazilian annual inflation has been in double digits since September, well exceeding the target set by the government for 2022.

Budget cuts affect health and education

The government plans to freeze R$9,2 billion in this year's budget to free up resources for the Ministry of Science and Technology, among other things. The cuts will be particularly evident in other portfolios, such as health and education.

Around R$6,7 billion in spending will be frozen to comply with spending caps under the country's main fiscal rules. Part of this amount, 2,5 billion reais, will be invested in the National Fund for the Development of Science and Technology (FNDCT).

“Naturally, there are surprises in health and education, because their budgets are so large. Let’s see what happens this month”, said Esteves Colnago, special secretary of Finance and Budget at the Ministry of Economy.

Petrobras can expect dividends

At the request of the federal government, Petrobras can expect to pay dividends to its shareholders. Sources linked to the state-owned company's command said that the resources would be used to strengthen the coalition's budget.

The company will release its second quarter results next Thursday, the 28th, and the market expects a dividend of 38 billion reais. Net profit should be around 40,4 billion reais, close to the 44,5 billion reais in the first three months of the year.

The planned distribution should be discussed at the state-owned company's board meeting scheduled for today. Some colleges oppose the measure.

INSS policyholders receive R$1,5 billion due in August

The National Social Security Institute (INSS) released R$1,5 billion in arrears to cover social security and aid debts in pending legal proceedings. In total, 99.395 policyholders will benefit in August.

The Federal District Court explained: “The practice is that funds are deposited one month after release (in this case July) and can be withdrawn on the fifth business day of the month following deposit (August). “Second District (TRF-2) .

Transfers are made via the Small Value Application (RPV) and payment orders involve up to 60 minimum wages (currently R$72.720). The money goes to an account opened at Banco do Brasil or Caixa Econômica Federal in the name of the insured.

Delay inquiries can be made on each region's TRT website using the Process Request Number, Beneficiary's CPF or Action Number.

New 'colored coins' celebrate 200th anniversary of independence

The Central Bank issues commemorative coins to celebrate 200 years of Brazil's independence. There are two models, one is silver and the other is cupronickel (an alloy composed of copper and nickel).

The new 2 reais coin is the first in history to be minted in color. A chartreuse track on the back of the piece accompanies the first verse of Evaristo da Veiga's independent anthem.

Made by Casa da Moeda, they will be sold exclusively on the Clube da Medalha website for collectors. Silver is sold for 420 reais, while cupronickel is sold for 34 reais.

“The two coins we are launching today depict this historic moment that ended our nation’s independence,” said British Columbia President Roberto Campos Neto.