October 1, 2001
High foreign indebtedness and a large current account deficit combined with a marked increase in risk aversion in the international financial markets have pummeled the Brazil's currency. The country faces harsher conditions in which to roll over its debt, with higher risk premiums and shorter maturities. Eventually the exchange rate will depreciate to a level such that the current account will be in equilibrium and the existing supply of external finance will match Brazil's debt rollover needs.