Wal-Mart Stores says it will invest at least $1 billion in Brazil to expand its operations there.

Joao Carlos Cavalcanti, the Brazilian mining magnate, meditates for three hours a day and says he draws strength from the “cosmos” — when he is not collecting expensive cars.

Brazil, South America’s largest economy, is finally poised to realize its potential as a global player, economists say.

Brazil, South America’s largest economy, is finally poised to realize its long-anticipated potential as a global player, economists say.

Officials seized cattle that they said were being raised on an ecological reserve, a warning to other ranchers raising cattle on illegally deforested land in Amazonia.

Brazil’s economy grew 5.8 percent in the first quarter, powered by higher consumer spending that is stoking inflation and forcing the central bank to raise interest rates.

Brazil will seek sanctions against the United States after winning a World Trade Organization ruling on cotton subsidies, a top Brazilian trade official said Tuesday.

Thanks to a newfound economic stability and vitality, Brazil’s economy and middle class are growing, the former fueled by high commodity prices and the latter by the availability of credit.