This case describes Brazil's political and economic evolution from the end of WWII to October 1998, focusing on the policies and effects of the Real Plan, an economic stabilization plan implemented between 1994 and 1998. Contagion effects of the Russian Crisis in August 1998 led to massive capital outflows from Brazil and put pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Brazil needs to decide what actions to take with respect to its system of fixed exchange rates. See also the B case (UV1619) and C case (UV1620).

This case describes the events between October 1998 and early January 1999. To prevent a devaluation of the Brazilian real, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provided a standby loan to Brazil. The case outlines the conditions under which the loan was granted and the effect of the loan on Brazil's balance of payments. In January 1999, Minister of Finance Cardoso faces two new challenges: getting congressional support for fiscal reform and a moratorium on debt payments declared by one of Brazil's states. See also the A case (UV1618) and C case (UV1620).