US House panel drops bid to remove FTC's antitrust authority

Brazil considers capping meal voucher fees, Pix system deposits doubtful, say sources

BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil's government is considering capping card processor fees and shortening settlement periods to cut intermediation costs in the country's multi-billion-dollar meal voucher market, three sources with knowledge of the government's plans said. The sources, who requested anonymity to discuss private talks, said the idea of transferring funds directly to workers through Brazil's widely popular Pix instant payment system had been discussed but is unlikely to move forward because of strong opposition from restaurant associations and meal voucher companies, which act as intermediaries. The move comes as the government tries to curb food inflation that has weighed on President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s approval ratings, though it continues to delay regulations needed to open up the concentrated meal voucher market under rules passed by Congress in 2022.

Reuters

•

50 minutes ago