The annual inflation rate in Brazil decreased to 10.06 percent in December of 2021 from the 18-year high of 10.74 percent in November, slightly higher than market expectations of 9.97 percent. It was the first decrease in the inflation rate since May of 2020, amid fading low base effects, as consumer prices rose at a slower pace for housing and utilities (13.05 percent vs 15.45 percent in November) and food and non-alcoholic beverages (7.94 percent vs 8.9 percent).

Inflation eased for transportation (21.03 percent vs 21.97 percent), mainly driven by fuels (49.02 percent vs 52.77 percent), and household maintenance (12.07 percent vs 12.49 percent). On the other hand, prices accelerated for clothing and footwear (10.31 percent vs 8.72 percent) and healthcare (3.7 percent vs 3.34 percent). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.73 percent, easing from 0.95 percent in the previous month but above market forecasts of 0.65 percent.

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