The IBC-Br is data from the monetary authority that measures economic growth; is considered the preview of GDP
The (Central Bank Economic Activity Index), considered a preview of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), fell 0.7% in March compared to February, in the seasonally adjusted series. The (Central Bank) released the result this Monday (May 18, 2026).
Services fell 0.7% in the month, the sector was responsible for the biggest drop. Agricultural activity shrank 0.2%, the same magnitude of decline as industry.
The monetary authority began a cycle of monetary easing in the basic rate, the Selic, which started the year at 15%. The monetary authority made 2 consecutive cuts of 0.25 pp (percentage point).
The Selic increased from August 2024 to June 2025. During the period, the basic interest increased from 10.5% to 15% per year. Until March it went through a period of maintenance.
Meanwhile, the BC said that the monetary easing cycle should be earlier because of the war in the Middle East.
IBC-BR AND GDP
The (Central Bank Economic Activity Index) is an indicator from the monetary authority that shows monthly data on the Brazilian economy. It brings together data from industry, commerce, services and agriculture. According to the BC, the IBC-Br uses a more restricted set of information than the GDP measured by the IBGE.
Brazil’s GDP 2.3% in 2025. The results for the 1st quarter will be released on May 29th.
