Brazil’s mid-month consumer prices fell 0.14% in the first half of August, reversing from a 0.33% rise in July and coming in below market expectations of -0.19%. Of the nine groups surveyed, four registered declines. Housing posted the sharpest drop (-1.13%), followed by food and beverages (-0.53%), transport (-0.47%), and communication (-0.17%). On the other hand, prices advanced for personal expenses (1.09%), education (0.78%), and healthcare (0.64%). Annual mid-month inflation eased to 4.95% from 5.3% in July, slightly above forecasts of 4.91%.