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2 weeks ago | 
analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com | Miguel de Figueiredo |Alexandre Marchand |Damien Rhumorbarbe |Richard Mann
Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest. References 1 and , “The Use and Abuse of Human Growth Hormone in Sports,” Sports Health. 10, no. 5 (2018): 419–426, https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738118782688. 2, , , et al., “Systematic Review: The Effects of Growth Hormone on Athletic Performance,” Annals of Internal Medicine 148, no. 10 (2008): 747–758, https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-148-10-200805200-00215.
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2 months ago | 
riotimesonline.com | Richard Mann
Brazil’s economy showcased remarkable resilience in 2024, with its gross public debt closing at 76.1% of GDP, lower than expected. This achievement came amid global economic challenges and domestic fiscal concerns. The Central Bank played a crucial role by selling over $30 billion in international reserves in December. This strategic move removed R$186.347 billion ($30.06 billion) from circulation, effectively lowering the country’s debt burden.
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2 months ago | 
riotimesonline.com | Richard Mann
Brazil’s startup scene is showing signs of life. Investments hit $2.14 billion in 2024, up 13.83% from 2023. This data comes from Distrito’s research, shared exclusively by NeoFeed. The uptick marks a potential end to the “startup winter” of 2023. It showcases the resilience of Brazilian entrepreneurs in the face of economic hurdles. Fintech remains the top draw, pulling in $889 million across 84 funding rounds. However, the investment landscape is changing.
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2 months ago | 
riotimesonline.com | Richard Mann
In a significant move within Brazil’s banking dynasty, Esther Safra has sold her stake in the Safra Group to her brothers, Jacob and David. The Banco Safra announced this transaction on January 30, 2025. The deal, however, still awaits regulatory approval. Esther Safra described her decision as harmonious. She expressed confidence in her brothers’ leadership to strengthen the Safra Group further. The bank termed this transfer a “natural process” aligned with the family’s long-term vision.
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2 months ago | 
riotimesonline.com | Richard Mann
Ecuador’s bonds have emerged from distress territory, signaling a potential economic turnaround. Investors are betting on President Daniel Noboa’s re-election in the upcoming February 9 vote. This development marks a significant shift in Ecuador’s financial landscape. The extra yield on Ecuador’s government debt fell below 10 percentage points over US Treasuries on Wednesday. This threshold is commonly used to determine distress situations.
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2 months ago | 
riotimesonline.com | Richard Mann
Brazil’s energy landscape faces a significant shift as Neoenergia negotiates the sale of its majority stake in the Baixo Iguaçu hydroelectric plant. The company, controlled by Spain’s Iberdrola group, seeks to offload its 70% share in the Paraná-based facility. This move, reported by Valor Econômico, could fetch up to R$1.2 billion ($240 million USD). The Baixo Iguaçu plant, operational since 2019, boasts a 350 MW capacity. It supplies power to roughly one million homes in Brazil’s southern region.
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2 months ago | 
riotimesonline.com | Richard Mann
A new study by economist Renato Baumann from Brazil’s Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA) reveals a significant change in the country’s economic landscape. The research focuses on the origin of production goods in Brazil’s economy, offering a fresh perspective on international economic relationships. Baumann’s analysis shows a notable increase in BRICS countries’ influence on Brazil’s productive structure, particularly from China.
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2 months ago | 
riotimesonline.com | Richard Mann
Brazil’s central bank boosted its benchmark Selic interest rate to 13.25% on Wednesday. The move aligns with market expectations and continues the monetary tightening cycle that began in September 2024. This increase marks the fourth consecutive hike under the new central bank chief, Gabriel Galipolo. The decision comes as Brazil grapples with persistent inflationary pressures and fiscal concerns. Analysts forecast inflation to reach 5.5% by the end of 2025, surpassing the central bank’s 3% target.
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2 months ago | 
riotimesonline.com | Richard Mann
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in Brazil’s technology sector surged to R$26 billion ($4.2 billion) in 2024, marking a remarkable 115% increase from the previous year. This data, released by FZF Capital, highlights a significant recovery after two years of decline in the M&A landscape. The year witnessed a notable rebound as investors regained confidence. The number of transactions rose from 145 in 2023 to 169 in 2024, reflecting a 16.6% increase.
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2 months ago | 
riotimesonline.com | Richard Mann
Banco Safra, a titan in Brazil’s financial sector, has undergone a significant transformation. The bank’s capital shrunk by R$6.184 ($1) billion following Alberto Safra’s exit from the family business in July 2023. This move, approved by Brazil’s Central Bank, reduced Safra’s capital from R$19.196 billion to R$13.012 billion. The capital reduction stems from a resolved family dispute over the late Joseph Safra’s $23 billion fortune.
