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Central Bank of Brazil statistics

The Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) sets the Selic policy rate through its Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) to meet the inflation target. It publishes exchange rates including the PTAX reference rate, fiscal statistics on public debt and deficits, credit and interest rate data, the balance of payments and the weekly Focus survey of market forecasts.

Release calendar

What it publishes

• Copom decisions, statements and minutes, and the Selic target history.
• Daily exchange rates and the PTAX reference rate.
• Monthly fiscal statistics: general government gross debt, net public sector debt and primary balance.
• Credit volumes and interest rates charged by banks.
• Balance of payments and international reserves.
• The weekly Focus market survey of inflation, GDP, Selic and exchange rate expectations.

Key datasets

• Selic rate history
  Every Copom decision and the Selic target since 1996.
  Updated: After each Copom meeting
• Exchange rate history
  Daily and historical PTAX rates for all currencies.
  Updated: Daily
• Fiscal statistics
  Public debt and fiscal balances.
  Updated: Monthly
• Focus survey
  Median market forecasts.
  Updated: Weekly (Monday)
• Copom minutes
  Minutes explaining each decision.
  Updated: Eight times a year

APIs and downloads

• SGS time-series system
  Search thousands of series; each has a free JSON or CSV API at api.bcb.gov.br.
• BCB open data portal
  Catalogue of datasets and APIs, including PTAX and Focus.

When it publishes

Copom meets eight times a year; the calendar of meetings and statistical releases is published in advance.

How to use it to check a claim

1. For the Selic, give the date the rate took effect and the Copom meeting.
2. For the dollar, specify buying or selling and whether it is PTAX or an intraday market rate.
3. For public debt, say gross (DBGG) or net (DLSP) and the month.

Common mistakes

• Confusing the Selic target with the effective Selic rate, which can differ slightly.
• Comparing BCB gross debt with IMF gross debt, which uses a wider definition.

Who sets interest rates in Brazil?

The Central Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (Copom), made up of the Governor and directors, sets the Selic target.

What is the PTAX rate?

A reference exchange rate calculated by the Central Bank from dealer quotes during the day, used to settle many contracts.

Questions answered using this source

• What is the Selic interest rate?
• What is the dollar exchange rate in Brazil today?
• How much is Brazil's public debt?
• What is the minimum wage in Brazil?

Links checked 14 October 2026. This page describes what the source publishes and gives no verdict on any claim.