Brazil's Inflation Rises Month-to-Month but Slows on Annual Basis as Food Supply Expands and Rates Curb Pricing Power

• Brazil's monthly inflation rate in February likely hit 0.78%, highest in a year

• Increase driven by seasonal factors like higher education costs

• But yearly inflation easing to 4.44% in February, moving toward 2024 target of 3%

• Brazil's strong food production helping limit price pressures

• Central bank's high rates also restraining economy and companies' pricing power