MASTERCARD, INC. 
By New macroeconomic report identifies consumer spending trends and overall retail performance in Brazil; provides analysis of supermarket, household and consumer goods, clothing and construction materials industries
Highly accurate monthly report is available earlier than any other industry source
To share this report on Facebook or Twitter, use #SpendingPulse and #euusodebito
São Paulo, February 26, 2013 - MasterCard Advisors, a division of MasterCard (NYSE: MA) announced today the launch of SpendingPulse® in Brazil, a report that provides a macroeconomic analysis of retail performance and spending. The report leverages aggregated and anonymous transaction data to offer insight into consumer spending trends, and provides an early overview of market indices to help retailers, investors, card issuers, banks and government agencies in their decision-making processes.
Available to subscribers in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, SpendingPulse is delivered ahead of retail spending figures provided by other sources and is one of the most quoted reports on macroeconomic trends in the US. It is often used as a source of reference by major international news outlets.
As the seventh largest economy in the world, and the biggest in Latin America, Brazil is one of the most attractive countries for global retail expansion due to its growing middle class and high consumption rates. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography & Statistics (IBGE), household consumption accounts for approximately 60 percent of Brazil's economy. "It is the ideal time to extend SpendingPulse into Brazil because the market represents enormous growth opportunities", said Gilberto Caldart, CEO of MasterCard Brazil and GeoSouth.
The new SpendingPulse report provides the most complete overview of consumer spending in Brazil. Based on data from transactions processed by the MasterCard Brazil payments network of 1.7 million businesses nationwide, the report offers actionable insights on the supermarket, household and consumer goods, clothing and construction materials industries, as well as an overall retail index.
The first SpendingPulse Brazil report of the year showed a 7.7% growth year-over-year in Brazilian retail sales during the month of January. This performance was driven primarily by a decrease in the unemployment rate, which reached 4.6% in December (IBGE).
"Unemployment in Brazil was at its lowest level on record since the IBGE survey began in 2002. This, combined with strong payroll gains at the end of the year, led to increased consumer spending for January," explained Sarah Quinlan, Senior Vice President and Group Head for Market Insights at MasterCard Advisors.
"SpendingPulse reports offer significant value to companies, providing the most timely and actionable source of information on retail spending trends available in the marketplace. We understand how important it is for our customers to have accurate insights they can act upon, in near real-time, to achieve greater Return on Investment for their businesses," she concluded.
SpendingPulse® Brazil Methodology
MasterCard analyzes the transactions processed by the MasterCard Brazil payments network and uses statistical models which take into account the trends of other payment methods to produce accurate and efficient reports. SpendingPulse® Brazil is based on a robust data sample drawn from over 1.7 million businesses accredited by MasterCard throughout the country.
About MasterCard SpendingPulse
Launched in 2006 by MasterCard Advisors, MasterCard SpendingPulse is a macroeconomic indicator that reports on national retail spending and performance. The report is based on aggregate sales activity in the MasterCard payments network, coupled with estimates for all other payment forms, including cash and check. MasterCard SpendingPulse reports and content, including estimated forecasts of spending trends, do not in any way contain, reflect or relate to actual MasterCard operational or financial performance, or specific payment-card-issuer data.
About MasterCard Advisors
MasterCard Advisors, a division of MasterCard Worldwide, provides clients around the world with insights and solutions that drive business impact and ROI. The company uses advanced analytics and deep payments expertise to translate data into actionable behavioral insights and customized services. With more than 80 billion anonymized transactions processed annually in 210 countries worldwide, the company leverages aggregated information and a consultative approach to help financial institutions, merchants, media companies, governments and other organizations of all sizes grow their businesses. For more information, go to http://www.mastercardadvisors.com/.
About MasterCard
MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's products and solutions make everyday commerce activities - such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.@MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Conversations Blog and subscribe.
To obtain further information:
In Brazil:
Andrea Denadai, MasterCard (55 11) 5508 8256 andrea_denadai@mastercard.com
Roberta Isfer, MasterCard (55 11) 5508-8256 roberta_isfer@mastercard.com
Vanessa Guido, Tamer Comunicação Empresarial (55 11) 3031-2388 vanessa@tamer.com.br
Ana Amaral, Tamer Comunicação Empresarial (55 11) 3031 2388 anaamaral@tamer.com.br
In the U.S.:
Marisa Grimes, MasterCard (1) 914 643 1586 marisa_grimes@mastercard.com
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