Brazil: Retail Sales Growth Slows

Brazil’s retail sales rose 1.3 percent in February, the slowest pace in 15 months, adding to evidence that South America’s biggest economy is starting to weaken after seven interest-rate increases by the central bank. Retail sales rose 1.3 percent year-on year in February after increasing 6.2 percent in January and 11.4 percent in December. Brazil’s central bank will meet next week to decide if it will leave the benchmark rate unchanged at 19.25 percent.