Highlights from Valor's print edition

12:00 AM (GMT -03:00) - Thu, Mar 19th 2020 ECONOMYContracting services industry intensifies prospect of recession Several analysts are downgrading their forecasts for this year’s GDP, seeing deep contraction in the first half ECONOMY Government expands aid with extra income, credit Economy Minister says aid package can still be increased by new measures COMMENTARY Ribamar OliveiraThere is no way of preserving growth this year With budget result this year secondary, economic officials want to ensure emergency spending is not made permanent ECONOMYDeteriorating outlook drives Copom to cut policy rate ECONOMYOfficials enact relief measures for airlines and airports BUSINESSCarmakers shut down and delay investments in Brazil ECONOMY"G-20 countries need to transfer money to individuals and businesses" AGRIBUSINESSCorn-based ethanol is new engine of Mato Grosso’s farming boom BRIEFS Falling oil prices put pressure on Petrobras The drop in oil prices that pushed the barrel below $25 on Wednesday put it close to the limit that ensures breakeven for Petrobras’s operations. If crude prices continue falling, the state-owned oil producer will have to announce a revision in its business plan, analysts say. Petrobras announced a price cut for gasoline, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas at refineries as of Thursday, because of the drop in crude prices. So far this year, it lowered gasoline prices by 30.1% and diesel by 29.1%. Bolsonaro again criticizes media-induced "hysteria" Government, Congress near agreement on pension spending increase Senate president and two ministers have coronavirus Leading travel companies lose 81.7% of their market cap Eurofarma agrees to buys former Takeda assets in Latin America Supermarket chains began to limit purchases to avoid supply problem CVM studies postponing deadlines for general meetings amid pandemic