Brazil economy to miss 2012 growth target: sources

It started off a simple protest in Sao Paulo as a demonstration by students against an increase in bus fares from R$3 to R$3.20, and then quickly morphed into general demonstration of discontent with the nation’s political classes on both sides of the spectrum involving over 200,000 across the country, with those marching on Monday holding placards decrying everything from the enormous sums spent on the World Cup to the treatment by police of protesters last week.

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - For Chinese investors, Brazil is no longer the promised land. After making a big push into the South American giant in search of raw materials such as iron ore, as well as a promising market for their consumer goods, Chinese executives have grown frustrated with stagnant economic growth, heavy costs and what they see as a political and popular backlash against their presence.

BRASILIA

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Would you bulletproof a Kia? If you live in Brazil, the answer could very well be yes - to guard against robbers at stop signs in Sao Paulo or traffic jams in Brasilia. Armor plating isn't just for aristocrats anymore as the world's seventh-largest economy grapples with high rates of kidnapping, murder and robbery. DuPont , widely known as a chemical maker, introduced its bulletproof Kevlar fiber and SentryGlas car kit Armura in 2008 to middle class Brazilian families with Chevrolets, Hondas and yes, even low-cost Kias. ...

BRASILIA/SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc , the world's biggest retailer, will invest 1.2 billion reais ($759 million) in Brazil this year to tap buoyant consumer demand in Latin America's largest economy, the unit's top executive said on Tuesday.