Economic activity surprises and grows above expectations in February, with an increase of 0.60%, signaling the strength of the Brazilian economy in 2026.

Written by Jefferson Augusto

Published on 16/04/2026 at 12:17

Updated on 02/05/2026 at 15:47

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Indicator considered a preview of GDP exceeds market projections, shows consistent growth over 12 months and reveals expansion in all sectors of the economy

The Brazilian economy started 2026 with positive signs and above market expectations. This information was disclosed by the Central Bank, which pointed to a growth of 0.60% in the Economic Activity Index (IBC-Br) in February, compared to January. The result exceeded the median of the estimates collected by Valor Data, which anticipated an increase of 0.55%, reinforcing the reading of a more heated economic scenario.

Furthermore, the data fell within the range projected by analysts, which varied between a decline of 0.30% and growth of up to 1.30%, showing that, although there are uncertainties, the performance remained aligned with the more optimistic expectations.

IBC-Br indicates consistent growth, but reveals fluctuations in the short term

When we analyze broader periods, the numbers show a positive trajectory. In the quarter ending in February, for example, the indicator recorded an increase of 1.13% compared to the previous quarter, highlighting a gradual recovery of economic activity.

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Understand why the IBC-Br is called the “preview of GDP”

The IBC-Br is widely used as a kind of thermometer of the Brazilian economy. This is because, unlike the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), calculated quarterly by IBGE, the Central Bank’s indicator has monthly frequency, allowing for a more dynamic monitoring of economic activity.

However, it is important to highlight that there are methodological differences between the two indicators. According to the Central Bank itself, these divergences tend to be more significant in sectoral analyses than in aggregated data.

Even so, the IBC-Br remains an important reference for investors, economists, and public policy makers, as it anticipates trends and aids in decision-making.

All sectors grow, with a highlight on industry

Another relevant point from the report released by the Central Bank is the positive performance across all sectors of the economy, albeit at different rates.

The industry was the standout, with an increase of 1.18%, followed by taxes, which rose 0.75%. Meanwhile, the indicator that excludes agriculture recorded growth of 0.61%, reinforcing the expansion in other segments.

On the other hand, the services and agriculture sectors showed more moderate growth, with increases of 0.29% and 0.23%, respectively. Still, the fact that all sectors showed advancement indicates a more widespread recovery of the economy.

Additionally, the Central Bank also revised the January data, which changed from a rise of 0.78% to 0.85%, further reinforcing the scenario of continuous growth at the beginning of the year.

Do you believe that this economic growth is already being felt in your daily life?

Economic activity surprises and grows above expectations in February, with an increase of 0.60%, signaling the strength of the Brazilian economy in 2026.

Indicator considered a preview of GDP exceeds market projections, shows consistent growth over 12 months and reveals expansion in all sectors of the economy

IBC-Br indicates consistent growth, but reveals fluctuations in the short term

Understand why the IBC-Br is called the “preview of GDP”

All sectors grow, with a highlight on industry

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Economic activity surprises and grows above expectations in February, with an increase of 0.60%, signaling the strength of the Brazilian economy in 2026.

Indicator considered a preview of GDP exceeds market projections, shows consistent growth over 12 months and reveals expansion in all sectors of the economy

IBC-Br indicates consistent growth, but reveals fluctuations in the short term

Understand why the IBC-Br is called the “preview of GDP”

All sectors grow, with a highlight on industry

Rio could lose up to R$ 21 billion per year due to the STF’s decision on oil royalties, and the impact could affect the economy, tourism, and services.

A giant printer called the “Ferrari” of concrete has landed in Latin America and can already build a 120-square-meter house in just 48 hours, making the traditional construction site look like something from the last century.

Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has ceased to be a climatic phenomenon and has become a biological system that feeds on itself, with 8,000 kilometers in length, 37 million tons of algae, and scientists confirm that it is now permanent.

A British company has installed in the middle of the ocean the world’s first floating platform that generates electricity 24 hours a day from the temperature difference between the surface and the depths of the Atlantic, without relying on wind or sun.

Brazil will harvest a record crop of up to 357 million tons of grains, but it does not have the capacity to store a large part of it. The storage deficit has reached the highest level in history and is equivalent to almost the entire production of Argentina.

Engineers had to pour concrete mixed with tons of ice throughout entire nights in the Dubai desert to erect the Burj Khalifa; any carelessness could clog the pipes half a mile high.

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