Brazil "on the Brink of a Precipice", Says Roubini, but Crisis May Be Averted

10/13/2015 - 10h35

Nouriel Roubini, one of the few economists who predicted the financial crisis of 2008, has warned, "Brazil is on the brink of a precipice."

Roubini argues that without fiscal adjustment, the country will lose its investment grade rating with other credit rating agencies (as has already happened with Standard and Poor's); borrowing costs will skyrocket; the real will go into freefall and the economy will shrink further still.

But Dr. Apocalypse, as the economist is known for his gloomy predictions, is not entirely pessimistic about Brazil's future. "Brazil isn't destined to have a crisis, it's possible to avoid it," he says. However, he says that for this to occur the country must run a surplus of at least 0.7% in 2016.

He estimates that Brazilian GDP will shrink by around 3% this year and remain stagnant or just slightly positive in 2016, as long as there is adjustment. According to the Focus report, the market expects recession of 2.85% in 2015 and 1% in 2016.

"If they make the necessary adjustments, there won't be any further downgrading and confidence in fiscal policy will improve. That will make people more comfortable about spending. The currency has devalued to the point of becoming more competitive, and exports should increase, though not by much, because of the global situation. Midway through next year, inflation should fall, because there will no longer be the effects of the increase of price controls and the recession will make the increase in salaries lower. The Central Bank will thus be able to cut interest rates and that will re-establish some growth. Brazilian GDP is likely to shrink 3% this year, perhaps as much as 4%. In 2016, if adjustments are made, I think there will be recession in the first six months, but the economy will bottom out midway through the year and then begin to recover. Brazil is not destined to have a crisis. There is a way out, although it is difficult and requires political courage from whoever is in power. For things to stabilize, fiscal adjustment is necessary, there's no other way," he said to Folha.

The economist was in Lima, Peru for an IMF meeting, and he made a quick visit to São Paulo and Brasília.

Translated by TOM GATEHOUSE

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	Eduardo Anizelli/Folhapress
	Nouriel Roubini has warned, "Brazil is on the brink of a precipice"