Luster comes off of Brazil's economy as problems take their toll.(Brief Article)

SAO PAULO -- What a difference six months makes. In January, economists and government officials were predicting a record year for Brazil, with GDP growth of 4% to 5% and inflation below 4%. While the rest of the world expressed concern about the US economy, officials presumed the country would be immune to crises abroad. Interest rates were at their lowest rate in years and President Fernando Henrique Cardoso's popularity reached its highest point since 1999.

Half a year later, everything is different. Interest rates have been raised five times since January and reached 19% ...

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