The worsening of tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the approach of the end of the quarter caused nervousness in the financial market this Wednesday (30). The dollar approached R$ 4.80, after starting the day low. The stock exchange resisted the international market and closed slightly higher, with the support of commodity companies (primary goods with international quotations).
The commercial dollar closed this Wednesday at R$4.78, up by R$0.029 (+0.62%). After operating in a decline for most of the morning, the price soared in the afternoon, pressured by the war and by the purchase of dollars by large companies that want to close the box at the end of the quarter.
Even with today’s high, the currency accumulates a fall of 7.15% in March. In 2022, the decline reaches 14.15%.
The stock market was more resistant to external pressures. The B3 Ibovespa index closed at 120,260 points, up 0.2%. Pressured by the fall in US stock exchanges, the indicator alternated high and low throughout the day, but ended up slightly higher supported by shares of Petrobras, the most traded papers, and mining companies.
The rise in commodity prices resulting from the war between Russia and Ukraine has guaranteed the inflow of foreign exchange into Latin American countries, holding back capital flight in times of greater tension, such as today. High interest rates, such as the Selic rate at 11.75% per year, also help maintain financial resources in Brazil.
On Wednesday, Russia intensified attacks in several parts of Ukraine, despite a promise made yesterday (29) that the country would reduce incursions to focus on defending separatist regions of eastern Ukraine.
*With information from Reuters
