Brazilian stocks finished the trading day slightly in the red on Monday, pressured primarily by losses in the Basic Materials, Public Utilities and Electric Power sectors. At the close in São Paulo, the Bovespa index was down 0.18%.
Among individual performers, Natura & Co SA (BVMF:NATU3) led gains on the index, rising 3.40% or 0.28 points to close at 8.51. Education group Cogna Educacao SA (BVMF:COGN3) also recorded a strong session, gaining 3.17% or 0.14 points to finish at 4.55. Industrial equipment maker WEG SA (BVMF:WEGE3) advanced 2.99% or 1.49 points to end the day at 51.36.
On the downside, Vale SA (BVMF:VALE3) posted the largest decline among major names, slipping 2.68% or 2.28 points to close at 82.74. Meat processor Marfrig Global Foods (BVMF:MBRF3) fell 2.64% or 0.54 points to 19.93, while Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA Preferred (BVMF:AXIA7) dropped 2.59% or 1.37 points to close at 51.43.
Market breadth on the B3 exchange was positive overall, with 515 stocks rising versus 447 decliners and 46 unchanged. Notably, shares of Cogna Educacao SA reached a five-year high during the session, closing up 3.17% at 4.55.
Volatility metrics reflected increased investor nervousness around Brazilian equities. The CBOE Brazil ETF Volatility measure, which tracks implied volatility of Bovespa options, rose 3.59% to 31.42, marking a new one-month high.
Commodity markets showed mixed moves during the session. April gold futures climbed 1.47% or 73.65 to settle at 5,090.65 per troy ounce. By contrast, March crude oil futures were lower, down 0.56% or 0.34 to $60.73 per barrel. The March US coffee C contract moved higher by 1.78% or 6.25 to trade at 357.15.
Currency markets saw the real strengthen modestly against the US dollar. The USD/BRL pair declined 0.25% to 5.28, while EUR/BRL increased 0.21% to 6.27. The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.57% at 96.85.
The session closed with the Brazilian market showing selective strength in consumer and industrial names, offset by weakness in materials and power-related stocks. Volatility and commodity price shifts were the primary cross-market drivers called out during the day.
Market snapshot
- Bovespa close: -0.18%
- Top gainers: NATU3, COGN3, WEGE3
- Top laggards: VALE3, MBRF3, AXIA7
- Advancers vs decliners: 515 vs 447; 46 unchanged
- CBOE Brazil ETF Volatility: 31.42, up 3.59% (1-month high)