EXCLUSIVE: Officials raise the alarm over the “disorganized occupation of power distribution poles by telecommunications infrastructure”
Amid a growing electric supply crisis in Brazil, São Paulo, the country’s largest city, is intensifying efforts to address a major urban infrastructure problem: the tangled mess of cables and wires that hang from millions of concrete utility poles across the massive metropolis.
São Paulo has an estimated 1.5 million utility poles lining its streets, approximately one for every eight residents. According to the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel), more than half of these poles are misused, contributing to overuse, illegal wiring, and dangerous space mismanagement.
Energy distributors manage the poles, while telecom providers pay for the right to use them for their own cables. Yet, oversight is minimal, leading to the chaotic web of wires seen on many street corners.
During repairs, instead of identifying faulty lines, companies often add more cables, further complicating the situation.
Gilberto Kassab is Brazil's ultimate éminence grise, heading a party that has consistently grown its congressional and municipal footprint.
The first round of municipal elections in Brazil, which took place on October 6 in all 5,500 cities save for the capital Brasília, had several winners. But one man, Gilberto Kassab, emerged as the biggest winner of them all.
This is very accurate. This guy has not held a role in politics for a long time, but he is like the master of puppets, controlling everything behind the curtains.
He has not run for an election since 2008. Still, he holds the purse strings of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), which, for the first time, elected the most mayors in the country: 888, or about 15 percent of the total, not to mention its candidates who qualified for a runoff to take place on October 27 in many of the country’s biggest cities.
Despite his immense political clout, Mr. Kassab remains unknown to most Brazilians.
Mr. Kassab, age 64, is the fifth of seven children of a physician and a teacher. After graduating in both economics and civil engineering, he worked as a real estate agent before starting his political career as a councilman in São Paulo, Brazil’s biggest city, in 1993. It took off very fast.
The BRICS group, a coalition of emerging economies, has finalized its expansion plans. Meeting in Kazan, Russia, the current members have selected ten new countries to join their ranks.
In addition, this decision marks a significant shift in the global economic landscape. Cuba and Bolivia have received invitations to join BRICS.
However, Venezuela and Nicaragua, both facing political turmoil, were notably absent from the list. This exclusion reflects recent tensions between these nations and Brazil’s government.
The full list of new invitees includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Nigeria, Uganda, Turkey, and Belarus. This diverse group spans multiple continents, enhancing BRICS’ global reach and influence.
Brazilian diplomats successfully negotiated the inclusion of a key point in discussions. They secured a mention of reforming the UN Security Council, a long-standing goal of both Brazilian and Indian foreign policy.
Colombia stands out in Latin America with its corporate income tax rate of 35%, the highest in the region. This rate presents significant challenges for both domestic startups and foreign companies considering establishing operations in Colombia.
Taxes serve as a fundamental mechanism for state function and maintenance, with personal and corporate income taxes being particularly crucial across the region.
According to PwC data, Colombia shares the top spot for corporate tax rates in Latin America with Argentina, both at 35%. Brazil and Venezuela follow closely with rates of 34%.
Globally, among the 38 OECD member economies, Colombia also ranks highest, surpassing European nations like Portugal and Germany, which have rates of 30%.
This high tax rate poses obstacles for new Colombian businesses and foreign enterprises looking to enter the market. While local companies pay taxes on global income, foreign entities operating in Colombia are taxed only on their Colombian earnings.
Brazilian banks have started increasing mortgage rates and implementing stricter lending conditions as the Central Bank raises basic interest rates (Selic). Itaú Unibanco led this trend by raising its average annual rate from 10.49% to 10.79% in early October.
Caixa Econômica Federal, which handles 70% of Brazil‘s mortgage lending, maintains current rates but will increase down payment requirements starting November 1st.
The SAC payment system will require a 30% down payment instead of 20%, while the Price system increases from 30% to 50%.
Banks face depleting savings account resources traditionally used for mortgage funding. This shortage forces them to seek alternative funding sources directly affected by Selic rate changes.
The mortgage market shows unexpected vigor, with lending reaching R$118.5 billion ($21.16 billion) in the first eight months of 2024. This represents 17.6% growth compared to the same period in 2023.
Here are the current mortgage rates at major Brazilian banks:
Caixa Econômica Federal offers rates from TR + 8.99% to 9.99% annually
Itaú Unibanco starts at TR + 10.79% annually
Bradesco begins at TR + 10.49% annually
Santander ranges from TR + 10.99% to 12.99% annually
Banco do Brasil starts at TR + 10.29% annually
BRB offers rates beginning at TR + 8.99% annually
Caixa Econômica Federal was founded on May 14, 1846, as the "Caixa Econômica de São Paulo" (Economic Savings Box of São Paulo) with the goal of providing savings services to the population of São Paulo, Brazil.
Initially, the institution was a small savings box where people could depositcoins and banknotes to earn interest. Over time, the bank expanded its services to include loans, deposits, and other financial activities.
In 1903, the Caixa Econômica Federal was transformed into a federal institution, and its scope was expanded to the entire country. The bank began to accept deposits from aLL regions of Brazil, and its services were standardized to provide a more comprehensive range of financial products to the population. During this period, CEF played a crucial role in the economic development of Brazil, providing financial services to the government, businesses, and individuals.
After World ⇪ II×, Caixa Econômica Federal underwent significant modernization efforts, introducing new technologies and financial products. The bank expanded its operations to include credit, investments, and insurance services. In 1964, CEF became a commercial bank, and its scope was further expanded to include corporate and international banking.
In 1988, the Brazilian government nationalized Caixa Econômica Federal, and it became a state-owned bank, known as Caixa Econômica Federal. The nationalization process aimed to increase state control over the economy and provide financial services to the broader population. As a state-owned bank, CEF was tasked with promoting economic development, social justice, and financial inclusion.
In the 1990s, Caixa Econômica Federal underwent significant modernization efforts, introducing new technologies and financial products. The bank expanded its operations to include digital banking, mobile banking, and online services. In 2015, CEF was restructured to become a specialized financial institution, focusing on social and economic development programs, such as microfinance, microinsurance, and education financing.
Today, Caixa Econômica Federal is one of the largest banks in Brazil, with over 5,000 branches and 12,000 ATMs across the country. The bank serves over 20 million customers and has a significant presence in the Brazilian economy, providing financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions.
The first panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court has decided to uphold the individual decision of Justice Alexandre de Moraes—the rapporteur of the case—to withhold former president Jair Bolsonaro’s passport and ban him from having contact with people under investigation.
The restrictions had been ordered as part of probes into an alleged attempted coup d’état in Brazil and the irregular sale of jewelry received by the former leader during international trips.
ustice Moraes argued that the Federal Police investigations are ongoing and there is no justification for reforming the decision preventing Bolsonaro from leaving the country.
For the same reason, the justice also denied the former president access to the plea bargain of Mauro Cid, his former aide-de-camp.
The decision was taken unanimously by Justices Flávio Dino, Luiz Fux, Cristiano Zanin, Cármen Lúcia, and Moraes.
The trial was held online and ended Friday (Oct. 18).
The Brazilian Senate has delayed a bill capping commissions charged by Uber and other ride-hailing platforms.
Caps on drive-hailing apps cut?
The Brazilian Senate has once again delayed a vote on a bill that could reshape the ride-hailing industry. The proposed legislation would cap service fees charged by apps like Uber at 10 percent of a rider’s fare, significantly reducing the commissions that drivers currently pay.
Why it matters. The fees platforms charge drivers are anything but transparent. While Uber claims its average commission is 25 percent, the actual rates can vary wildly.
Opaqueness. One driver in Joinville, a city in southern Brazil, posted a now-private YouTube video showing Uber’s commissions on seven rides from the same day, with values ranging from 13.8 percent to as high as 40 percent.
In 2022, Uber’s Chinese-owned competitor 99 announced it would cap its commissions at 19.99 percent...
São Paulo power crisis sparks calls for energy regulation overhaul
EXCLUSIVE: Officials raise the alarm over the “disorganized occupation of power distribution poles by telecommunications infrastructure”
Amid a growing electric supply crisis in Brazil, São Paulo, the country’s largest city, is intensifying efforts to address a major urban infrastructure problem: the tangled mess of cables and wires that hang from millions of concrete utility poles across the massive metropolis.
#saopaulo #brazil #energy #newsonleo
São Paulo has an estimated 1.5 million utility poles lining its streets, approximately one for every eight residents. According to the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel), more than half of these poles are misused, contributing to overuse, illegal wiring, and dangerous space mismanagement.
Energy distributors manage the poles, while telecom providers pay for the right to use them for their own cables. Yet, oversight is minimal, leading to the chaotic web of wires seen on many street corners.
During repairs, instead of identifying faulty lines, companies often add more cables, further complicating the situation.
Article
Então agora a estratégia é condensar mais e investir naquelas que realmente acho que darão certo
Esses dias foram bem corridos por isso acabei não conseguindo subir o threadcast
Tive médico e acabei ficando doente além de tudo
Mas agora deu uma melhorada então estamos de volta a atividade
Alguns probleminhas pra resolver hoje mas, com sorte, não será um dia tão caótico
Tá bem complicado, to comuita coisa acumulada pra ajustar na Hive haha
Preciso tirar uns dias pra focar nisso
Mas ta complicado... fim de semana sempre cheio de coisa e dia da semana nem se fala
Muitas oportunidades surgindo, mas é hora de focar em algumas e tentar maximizar
No passado já corri atrás de tudo e acabei me dividindo em muitas coisas e não acho que foi a melhor ideia
Isso concentra um pouco mais o risco, mas ainda acho que é um uso mais eficiente dos meus recursos
Incluindo tempo, claro. É um dos recursos mais importantes
Domingo tem segundo turno por aqui
Aconteça o que acontecer, finalmente essa loucura vai acabar
Acho difícil não ser o Nunes o vencedor
Apesar dele não ter feito nada durante o mandado e a campanha, a rejeição ao Boulos é enorme
Queria eu ter uma vida fácil assim kkk
Kassab, the most powerful man in Brazil you’ve never heard of
Gilberto Kassab is Brazil's ultimate éminence grise, heading a party that has consistently grown its congressional and municipal footprint.
The first round of municipal elections in Brazil, which took place on October 6 in all 5,500 cities save for the capital Brasília, had several winners. But one man, Gilberto Kassab, emerged as the biggest winner of them all.
#brazil #elections #kassab #politics
This is very accurate. This guy has not held a role in politics for a long time, but he is like the master of puppets, controlling everything behind the curtains.
Powerful and dangerous. A snake
Those types tend not to put themselves out front. They prefer to pull the strings without too many eyes on them.
He has not run for an election since 2008. Still, he holds the purse strings of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), which, for the first time, elected the most mayors in the country: 888, or about 15 percent of the total, not to mention its candidates who qualified for a runoff to take place on October 27 in many of the country’s biggest cities.
Despite his immense political clout, Mr. Kassab remains unknown to most Brazilians.
Mr. Kassab, age 64, is the fifth of seven children of a physician and a teacher. After graduating in both economics and civil engineering, he worked as a real estate agent before starting his political career as a councilman in São Paulo, Brazil’s biggest city, in 1993. It took off very fast.
Article
BRICS Expansion: Ten New Nations Join, Reshaping Global Economic Alliances
The BRICS group, a coalition of emerging economies, has finalized its expansion plans. Meeting in Kazan, Russia, the current members have selected ten new countries to join their ranks.
In addition, this decision marks a significant shift in the global economic landscape. Cuba and Bolivia have received invitations to join BRICS.
#newsonleo #economy #brics
However, Venezuela and Nicaragua, both facing political turmoil, were notably absent from the list. This exclusion reflects recent tensions between these nations and Brazil’s government.
The full list of new invitees includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Nigeria, Uganda, Turkey, and Belarus. This diverse group spans multiple continents, enhancing BRICS’ global reach and influence.
Brazilian diplomats successfully negotiated the inclusion of a key point in discussions. They secured a mention of reforming the UN Security Council, a long-standing goal of both Brazilian and Indian foreign policy.
Article
Colombia Leads Latin America with Highest Corporate Tax Rate
Colombia stands out in Latin America with its corporate income tax rate of 35%, the highest in the region. This rate presents significant challenges for both domestic startups and foreign companies considering establishing operations in Colombia.
Taxes serve as a fundamental mechanism for state function and maintenance, with personal and corporate income taxes being particularly crucial across the region.
#newsonleo #colombia #latinamerica
According to PwC data, Colombia shares the top spot for corporate tax rates in Latin America with Argentina, both at 35%. Brazil and Venezuela follow closely with rates of 34%.
Globally, among the 38 OECD member economies, Colombia also ranks highest, surpassing European nations like Portugal and Germany, which have rates of 30%.
This high tax rate poses obstacles for new Colombian businesses and foreign enterprises looking to enter the market. While local companies pay taxes on global income, foreign entities operating in Colombia are taxed only on their Colombian earnings.
Article
Major Brazilian Banks Raise Mortgage Rates and Tighten Lending Requirements
Brazilian banks have started increasing mortgage rates and implementing stricter lending conditions as the Central Bank raises basic interest rates (Selic). Itaú Unibanco led this trend by raising its average annual rate from 10.49% to 10.79% in early October.
Caixa Econômica Federal, which handles 70% of Brazil‘s mortgage lending, maintains current rates but will increase down payment requirements starting November 1st.
#brazil #banks #mortage #economy #lending
The SAC payment system will require a 30% down payment instead of 20%, while the Price system increases from 30% to 50%.
Banks face depleting savings account resources traditionally used for mortgage funding. This shortage forces them to seek alternative funding sources directly affected by Selic rate changes.
The mortgage market shows unexpected vigor, with lending reaching R$118.5 billion ($21.16 billion) in the first eight months of 2024. This represents 17.6% growth compared to the same period in 2023.
Here are the current mortgage rates at major Brazilian banks:
Caixa Econômica Federal offers rates from TR + 8.99% to 9.99% annually
Itaú Unibanco starts at TR + 10.79% annually
Bradesco begins at TR + 10.49% annually
Santander ranges from TR + 10.99% to 12.99% annually
Banco do Brasil starts at TR + 10.29% annually
BRB offers rates beginning at TR + 8.99% annually
Article
Caixa Econômica Federal (CEF) - a bank with a rich history in Brazil. Here's a brief overview:
Early years (1846-1903)
Caixa Econômica Federal was founded on May 14, 1846, as the "Caixa Econômica de São Paulo" (Economic Savings Box of São Paulo) with the goal of providing savings services to the population of São Paulo, Brazil.
Initially, the institution was a small savings box where people could deposit coins and banknotes to earn interest. Over time, the bank expanded its services to include loans, deposits, and other financial activities.
National Expansion (1903-1946)
In 1903, the Caixa Econômica Federal was transformed into a federal institution, and its scope was expanded to the entire country. The bank began to accept deposits from aLL regions of Brazil, and its services were standardized to provide a more comprehensive range of financial products to the population. During this period, CEF played a crucial role in the economic development of Brazil, providing financial services to the government, businesses, and individuals.
Modernization and diversification (1946-1988)
After World ⇪ II×, Caixa Econômica Federal underwent significant modernization efforts, introducing new technologies and financial products. The bank expanded its operations to include credit, investments, and insurance services. In 1964, CEF became a commercial bank, and its scope was further expanded to include corporate and international banking.
State Bank and Nationalization (1988)
In 1988, the Brazilian government nationalized Caixa Econômica Federal, and it became a state-owned bank, known as Caixa Econômica Federal. The nationalization process aimed to increase state control over the economy and provide financial services to the broader population. As a state-owned bank, CEF was tasked with promoting economic development, social justice, and financial inclusion.
Modernization and Reforms (1990s-Present)
In the 1990s, Caixa Econômica Federal underwent significant modernization efforts, introducing new technologies and financial products. The bank expanded its operations to include digital banking, mobile banking, and online services. In 2015, CEF was restructured to become a specialized financial institution, focusing on social and economic development programs, such as microfinance, microinsurance, and education financing.
Today, Caixa Econômica Federal is one of the largest banks in Brazil, with over 5,000 branches and 12,000 ATMs across the country. The bank serves over 20 million customers and has a significant presence in the Brazilian economy, providing financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions.
Supreme Court upholds decision to retain Bolsonaro’s passport
The first panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court has decided to uphold the individual decision of Justice Alexandre de Moraes—the rapporteur of the case—to withhold former president Jair Bolsonaro’s passport and ban him from having contact with people under investigation.
The restrictions had been ordered as part of probes into an alleged attempted coup d’état in Brazil and the irregular sale of jewelry received by the former leader during international trips.
#brazil #supremecourt #bolsonaro
ustice Moraes argued that the Federal Police investigations are ongoing and there is no justification for reforming the decision preventing Bolsonaro from leaving the country.
For the same reason, the justice also denied the former president access to the plea bargain of Mauro Cid, his former aide-de-camp.
The decision was taken unanimously by Justices Flávio Dino, Luiz Fux, Cristiano Zanin, Cármen Lúcia, and Moraes.
The trial was held online and ended Friday (Oct. 18).
Article
Brazilian lawmakers eye cap on Uber fees
The Brazilian Senate has delayed a bill capping commissions charged by Uber and other ride-hailing platforms.
Caps on drive-hailing apps cut?
The Brazilian Senate has once again delayed a vote on a bill that could reshape the ride-hailing industry. The proposed legislation would cap service fees charged by apps like Uber at 10 percent of a rider’s fare, significantly reducing the commissions that drivers currently pay.
#brazil #uber #fees
Why it matters. The fees platforms charge drivers are anything but transparent. While Uber claims its average commission is 25 percent, the actual rates can vary wildly.
Opaqueness. One driver in Joinville, a city in southern Brazil, posted a now-private YouTube video showing Uber’s commissions on seven rides from the same day, with values ranging from 13.8 percent to as high as 40 percent.
In 2022, Uber’s Chinese-owned competitor 99 announced it would cap its commissions at 19.99 percent...
Article