Brazil

Brazil’s equity markets have surged ahead this year as investors hope the upcoming election will usher in reforms similar to those seen in Mexico, explains Will Landers, manager of the BlackRock Latin American investment trust

Reform prevails in emerging economies

The Brazilian government's economic policies have been a particular bugbear for investors, who have turned their back on the country in recent months, but a number are now increasing their exposure in the expectation there may be a rally if the voters...

J.P. Morgan Asset Management's Austin Forey is taking overweights in emerging market countries holding elections this year, in the view their shares could rally after a dismal start to the year.

Aberdeen's head of emerging market debt has halved currency exposure in his fund after emerging currencies failed to deliver the returns he expected in 2013.

COMMENT

LATIN AMERICA

EMERGING MARKETS

The leaders of the BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - are planning a $100bn (£65bn) fund to protect against financial shocks.

Brazil has raised its benchmark interest rate to 9% from 8.5% in a further attempt to rein in inflation, following the dramatic sell-off in the country's currency.