Economy & Business - September 2026

Given Brazil’s headline economic indicators, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva should be heading into the October presidential election with considerable tailwinds. GDP growth has remained resilient during his four-year term, inflation has slowed in mid-2026, credit is becoming cheaper, and unemployment has plummeted from the 8.4% rate registered at the start of his current term. And yet there is little feel-good effect about the economy as the former trade union leader, who turns 81 this year, prepares to run for a fourth term in office.