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The BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) constitute 20% of the world economy, and, according the IMF, will have a projected combined GDP of more than $14 trillion this year. Growth and prosperity have been bestowed upon these now-influential powers for the past decade. But clear signals are being given that these economic bastions are heading towards a muddy path, like most macro bull run investments do.
One such indication is the weakening of the currency. According to Bloomberg data, for the first time in 13 years, Brazil's real, Russia’s ruble, and India’s rupee are weakening the most rapidly among emerging-market currencies, while China’s yuan has dipped to its lowest point since 1994. An exhausting of these legal tenders has caused a chain reaction.
Foreign direct investment is not as attractive as it once was. The equity value of both locally-traded shares and companies based in the BRIC nations have dropped $1.9 trillion. As these outflows increase, the governments of all rapidly lowered interest rates and extended tax breaks. Now, at the risk of losing their investment-grade credit rating, political and economic leaders need to cooperate. With globally low interest rates, BRIC countries have the opportunity to anchor growth.
These powerhouses can relieve themselves from such a predicament with collective action against overestimating growth, striking down international trade barriers, and creating policies that encourage domestic and global demand. With an increase in long-term capital, assurance can be rebuilt for a stronger currency. The solidity of an economy is, after all, based on its ability to communicate and collaborate for a higher goal.
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