Brazil: Ibovespa Edges Up on Utilities Gains.

The Ibovespa edged up to trade near the 169,000 mark on Thursday, supported by gains in the utilities and services sectors. Axia (+1.5%) completed the assignment of credits held against Amazonas Energia in a transaction valued at R$554.1 million, while Engie (+3%) approved a share offering linked to its planned acquisition of a stake in the Jirau hydroelectric plant and suspended guidance as the deal progresses. In the services sector, Rede D'Or gained more than 2.5% after data showed Brazil’s services activity expanded 1.2% in April. Meanwhile, US President Trump said Washington would strike Iran again and increased pressure on Tehran to reach a deal by threatening to take control of key energy infrastructure. Despite the renewed rhetoric, oil prices declined, pushing bond yields lower and easing concerns over energy-driven inflation. Major banks advanced, with Bradesco and Itau both up 0.5%.