Markets Hold Cautious Line as U.S. Labor Signals Mix and Venezuelan Oil Sales to U.S. Begin

Overview

• ADP reported 41,000 private jobs added in December and JOLTS openings fell to about 7.1 million, reinforcing a picture of a cooling U.S. labor market.
• Fresh readings showed initial jobless claims at 208,000 and productivity up 4.9% annualized, while Wall Street finished mixed with defense stocks rising and tech shares slipping.
• The U.S. Department of Energy said Venezuelan oil sales to the United States have started with proceeds routed to U.S.-controlled accounts, and President Donald Trump said supplies will continue.
• In Brazil, the dollar traded near R$5.39 after a low-liquidity stretch and the Ibovespa hovered around 161k–162k points after roughly a 1% retreat in the prior session.
• Local risk factors persisted as the Central Bank reported a US$33.316 billion negative FX flow for 2025 and officials signaled new steps in the Banco Master case alongside scrutiny of the CVM nomination.