In brief

3 points, the worst for the month since 2015, and investment intention at the lowest since 2020.

Capacity utilization fell to 69%.

What we know

04
  1. Verified fact · material

    The production index of the CNI Industrial Survey fell 4.7 points in August to 46.3 points, the worst result for the month since 2015.

    Below 50 points indicates a monthly output decline.

    Sources[01][02]
  2. Verified fact · material

    The investment intention index fell 1.3 point in September to 51.3 points, the lowest since August 2020 and the fourth straight monthly decline.

    Signals weak capital formation in the second half.

    Sources[01][02]
  3. Verified fact

    According to CNN Brasil, the employment index stood at 48.2 points, capacity utilization fell to 69%, inventories slipped to 49.5 points and demand expectations stood at 51.2 points; the survey polled 1,403 companies between September 1 and 11.

    Completes the picture of an industrial slowdown.

    Sources[01]
  4. Verified fact

    According to CNN Brasil, September expectations also fell for input purchases (50.4 points), exports (48.9) and headcount (49.2); the sample comprised 587 small, 487 medium and 329 large companies.

    Shows the weakness reaches expectations, not only realized output.

    Sources[01]

Transmission to assets

Market read-through

The August industrial contraction and investment intention at a post-pandemic low reinforce the slowdown thesis that underpins Selic cuts, and point to a weak August industrial production print.

For capital goods (WEG, Randon) and steel, the data signal weaker domestic demand in the second half.

Portfolio impact

02
DI jan/27negative

Weaker industrial activity reinforces expectations of Selic cuts.

Marginal effect on the short end.

What would change the view: August industrial production confirming the drop.

macro40% confidence
Bens de capital e siderurgia (WEG, Randon, Gerdau)negative

Investment intention at a post-2020 low signals weak domestic demand for machinery and steel.

Exports and infrastructure may partly offset.

What would change the view: Decline repeating in the October survey.

sector30% confidence

Direction is an explanatory hypothesis, not a forecast or recommendation.

Next signals

What to watch

  • IBGE August industrial production in October
  • September industrial confidence index
  • Copom minutes and the central bank reading on activity

Limits of the reporting

What remains uncertain

  • Coverage does not give the breakdown by company size or sector.
  • The CNI index is a diffusion index and does not measure output volume.

Full sources

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