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Brazil real closes 0.6 pct stronger at 1.773/dlr

SAO PAULO: The Brazilian real closed 0.6 percent firmer on Friday at 1.773 to the dollar, its new six-month high mark, thanks to fresh dollar inflows after Brazil's recent bond issues, traders said.

They put Friday's net dollar inflows at $100 million, saying some banks were selling dollars expecting further real strengthening in the near future.

The real firmed 1.8 percent this week, bolstered by two foreign bond issues, including a $1 billion offer of 20-year global bonds on Thursday. The bond issues will be a big source of fresh capital, also helping beef up international reserves and thus supporting the real.

The real last closed at such a strong level on July 5, when it fetched 1.769 to the dollar.-Reuters