Managers take opposing views on Brazil

Will Landers, manager of BlackRock's Latin American Trust, is bullish on Brazil in light of its strong growth despite high interest rates. Brazil's government has asserted its commitment to fighting inflation whilst maintaining current high levels of growth, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva anticipating growth of 5pc this year and a 3pc increase in the investment rate to 21pc by 2010. Landers commented: "Looking ahead, we expect Brazil's GDP to grow at a steady 4-5pc for the next decade. Last month's upgrade of Brazil's debt to investment grade by Standard & Poor's and then Fit...