The Ibovespa rose about 1% to near the 197,000 mark on Friday, a new historical record, as optimism grew for a pause in Middle East hostilities and potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices seesawed as Pakistan prepares to host Iranian and US delegations, while Israel and Lebanon are slated to meet in Washington next week, lifting financial stocks on hopes of de-escalation despite energy-driven inflation. Brazil’s annual inflation rose to 4.14% in March 2026 from 3.81% in February, mostly due to higher vehicle fuel prices which lifted transport costs. Ita