For a country that struck Olympic
gold last year, with Rio de Janeiro having been
named host for the 2016 Games, anything less than a
top-scoring market would be something of a
disappointment. (...)
Brazil shrugged off the worst
effects of the world economic slowdown in 2009,
thanks to the buoyancy and size of its domestic
market, along with tax breaks for durable goods and
measures easing consumer and business credit.
Economists expect Brazilian gross domestic product
to expand at least 5% in 2010. (...)
Nevertheless, the overall mood is one of guarded
optimism. Analysts are especially enamored of
companies linked to domestic consumer demand because
of the bullish forecasts for the local economy.
"As we saw last year, companies
linked to domestic consumption tend to be good
players," said Jason Vieira, an economist at São
Paulo's UPTrend consulting group.
That would be good news for major
retailers such as Pao de Acucar and Renner. Also,
some analysts like real-estate developers such as
Cyrela and Gafisa, could do well if an expected
building boom develops.
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