New York, Jan 25, 2026, 05:54 EST — Market closed
- Nu Holdings shares ended Friday at $18.04, marking a 0.17% increase.
- Traders brace for a week packed with central-bank decisions in Brazil and the United States.
- Nu plans to release its fourth-quarter earnings on Feb. 25.
Nu Holdings (NYSE: NU), the company behind Brazil’s Nubank, closed Friday slightly higher, gaining 0.17% to $18.04. Shares fluctuated from a low of $17.72 to a high of $18.06, with roughly 63.2 million shares traded throughout the session.
Why it matters now: Nu’s main business—lending and deposits in Brazil—directly feels the impact of the Selic rate, the country’s key policy benchmark. That rate influences both funding costs and credit demand. Economists surveyed by Reuters largely expect the central bank to hold Selic steady at 15% on Jan. 28, though a handful foresee a modest 25 basis point cut next week. Most forecasts point to the first move happening in March. Citi analysts noted that falling inflation could “allow Copom to begin the cutting cycle in March.” Stephan Kautz, chief economist at EQI Asset, suggested the central bank might soften its stance by removing language about resuming rate hikes. Reuters
The Federal Reserve kicks off its two-day meeting on Jan. 27 in the U.S., with a policy statement scheduled for Jan. 28, followed by a press conference. This is key for high-growth, higher-beta stocks like Nu, since changes in U.S. rate expectations can quickly shift valuations.
Nu’s most recent close happened amid a choppy week on Wall Street, where indexes showed mixed results. The Dow slipped 0.58% on Friday, the Nasdaq gained 0.28%, and the S&P 500 held steady, dragged down by Intel’s sharp drop after a disappointing outlook.
As the new week kicks off, investors face a familiar setup: big-tech earnings and the Fed’s moves in the spotlight, stirring up market jitters. Reuters’ “Week Ahead” preview highlighted a “show-me” mood, with investors zeroing in on revenue growth to back up lofty valuations. Reuters
Nu’s upcoming catalyst is its quarterly report. According to the investor relations calendar, the company will release its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings and hold a conference call on Feb. 25.
Nu’s latest results came out in November, with CFO Guilherme Lago telling Reuters that profit gains were largely driven by scale in Brazil. At the same time, the company expanded its credit portfolio in Mexico and lowered its deposit costs there. Investors have since latched onto this balancing act — Brazil’s margins against Mexico’s growth — as a key theme when discussing the stock.
Regulation remains a slow-burn issue for Nubank. The company announced in December plans to secure a banking license in Brazil by 2026, aiming to create a banking entity within its conglomerate. It will maintain the Nubank brand and visual identity throughout.
Competition is heating up again as Brazil’s fintech scene starts to buzz. Digital bank PicPay is aiming for a valuation as high as $2.46 billion in its upcoming U.S. IPO. Matt Kennedy, a strategist at Renaissance Capital, remarked, “These deals will signal whether investors are ready to bet on Brazilian startups again.” Reuters
The downside is clear. Should inflation pick up again or political turmoil rattle markets, Brazil’s central bank might hold off on cutting rates. That would keep borrowing costs elevated and push credit losses higher — a tough spot for a lender already valued on growth expectations.
Nu’s next move will probably hinge on rate news due midweek, as central banks in Brazil and the U.S. draw attention. Then on Feb. 25, the company’s earnings report and call will provide investors with a clearer picture.
