Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Thursday that if US counterpart Donald Trump hiked tariffs on Brazilian products, he would reciprocate -- but that he would prefer improved relations over a trade war.

BRASILIA - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Thursday that his government would reciprocate if U.S. President Donald Trump decides to impose tariffs on Latin America's largest economy,

Veteran singer and poet Patti Smith has reassured fans that she is "fine” after collapsing during a presentation in Brazil and later returning to apologize to the audience for ending her show early. Video published on social media showed the 78-year-old lying on the stage of the venue in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night.

Singer Patti Smith collapsed during a presentation in Brazil on Wednesday night, and later returned to apologize for needing to end her show early

Patti Smith has issued an update after she collapsed on stage following a migraine. The 78-year-old was performing with Berlin group Soundwalk Collective in Brazil when the incident occurred. The “Because the Night” singer had experienced a migraine for several days ahead of her performance.

The bank’s monetary policy committee increased the benchmark rate by a full percentage point to 13.25%.

Brazil's central bank raised its benchmark interest rate by 100 basis points for the second straight meeting on Wednesday and signaled another hike of that size in March, leaving the door open for subsequent moves amid mounting inflationary pressures.

Gabriel Galipolo will chair his first interest rate decision as Brazil’s central bank governor on Wednesday with a clear, well-known mission: the board he now presides will raise the benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point for the second straight meeting.