A detailed analysis reveals the impact of international reserves on global economic stability, highlighting surprising data about the world's largest economies and their financial strategies.
The World Bank recently released a ranking of the countries that hold the largest international dollar reserves.
Brazil occupies the ninth position, with a total of US $ 346,4 billion in assets. Ahead of Brazil are economies such as China, Japan and Switzerland, which lead the list with much higher volumes.
But after all, what are international reserves and why are they so important?
International reserves are a series of financial assets held by central banks with the aim of guaranteeing the economic and financial stability of a country.
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These include foreign currencies such as the dollar, euro and yen, as well as gold and debt securities issued by other nations.
These resources are essential for dealing with economic fluctuations, currency crises or financial emergencies, and also for ensuring that countries can meet their obligations in the international market, such as debt payments and foreign trade.
In the case of Brazil, the main currency in its international reserves is the US dollar, which continues to be the reference currency in global trade.
This indicates not only the importance of the currency of United States, but also the strengthening of national finances through a policy of accumulating reserves.
Comparison with other economies
Brazil ranks tenth among the world's largest economies, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimated at $2,2 trillion in 2025.
However, in terms of international reserves in dollars, Brazil is ahead of countries with larger economies, such as United Kingdom, which has a GDP of $3,73 trillion but it is not among the 10 countries with the largest international reserves.
This demonstrates that Brazil has an effective reserve accumulation strategy., which surpasses that of some richer nations.
This movement is considered an important differentiator, as it helps protect the Brazilian economy from external crises and ensures greater security in the global financial scenario.
Countries with the largest international reserves
According to data from Banco Worldwide, the global ranking of countries with the largest international dollar reserves is led by China, with impressive $3,3 trillion.
Secondly, there is the Japan with US $ 1,2 trillion, followed by Switzerland with US $ 794,9 billion.
Next we have the India with US $ 574,5 billion and Russia with US $ 442,5 billion.
A Saudi Arabia, one of the largest oil producers in the world, ranks sixth with US $ 436,5 billion, and Hong Kong, an important financial center, continues with US $ 425,4 billion.
A South Korea appears in eighth place, with US $ 414 billion, and Brazil, as mentioned, occupies the ninth position with US $ 346,4 billion.
Singapore completes the top 10, with US $ 344,5 billion.
It is interesting to note that, despite being the world's largest economy, United States They are in 11th position with US $ 234,1 billion in international reserves, which reflects a more self-sufficient internal financial dynamic.
Other notable countries include Thailand (US$ 208,2 billion), the Mexico ($206,3 billion), Israel ($204,6 billion), and the Emirados Arabes Unidos (US$ 184,5 billion), among others.
The role of reserve policy in Brazil
Brazil has demonstrated a prudent strategy of accumulating reserves, which is reflected not only in the total volume, but in the way in which these resources are applied.
Second Paula Zogbi, research manager at Nomad, international reserves are formed, in large part, through exports, where companies receive dollars that are converted by the central bank, foreign investments, and even direct purchases of US currency by the central banks themselves.
These dollars are then applied to low risk assets, like the United States Treasury bonds, which offer high liquidity and security for investors.
There are also smaller allocations in multilateral agency securities, Fixed Income ETFs, and even foreign stocks, which provide greater diversification.
The reserve accumulation policy has proven to be an intelligent measure to guarantee financial stability of Brazil, avoiding the devaluation of the real in times of external volatility and ensuring that the country has room to maneuver to face international financial crises.
Impact of reserves on the Brazilian economy
The amount of international reserves also has a direct impact on exchange and the interest rates the country.
By accumulating a large amount of dollars, Brazil is able to reduce pressure on its currency, especially in times of global instability.
This helps to keep inflation under control and promote foreign investor confidence.
Furthermore, the volume of reservations contributes to ensure the country's credibility in the international market, especially in relation to the payment of external debts and the ability to maintain its economic stability to long term.
The importance of international reserves
Maintain a high volume of international reservations is an essential strategy for any nation that wants to protect its economy from external shocks and ensure its financial autonomy.
In the case of Brazil, the policy of accumulating dollar reserves has proven to be a wise move, providing greater economic security and stability in the global scenario.
And you, what do you think of Brazil's strategy of accumulating so many international reserves? Do you think other nations should follow this example to ensure financial stability? Leave your opinion in the comments!