IBC-Br in 2022 was lower compared to 2021, when it reached 4.68% according to BC.| Photo: Marcelo Andrade/file / Gazeta do Povo

The IBC-Br closed the year 2022 with an increase of 2.9% according to data released this Thursday (16) by the Central Bank. The index also known as “GDP preview (Gross Domestic Product, the sum of all goods and services produced in the country)” was lower last year than in 2021, when it reached 4.68% over 2020.

According to data compiled by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), economic activity in December increased by 0.29% compared to November, and by 1.42% compared to the same period of the previous year. (see in full)

The 2.9% increase in the IBC-Br came close to what some financial market agents had expected, such as the 3% expectation reported by Banco MUFG in mid-January. Also according to the institution, one of the reasons for the drop compared to 2021 is the high basic interest rate of 13.75% per year, which began to be raised above 10% from February last year.

The official GDP result will be released on March 2 by the IBGE. The expectation is that it will reach an increase of 2.9% according to an estimate by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV).