Brazil's real reaches 20th birthday

Brazil's currency, the real, has turned 20 years old. The currency, introduced in 1994 following astronomical inflation rates and economic troubles, transformed the South American country's economy, bringing inflation down and stabilising the market.

"The real was a watershed for Brazil's economy, putting an end to four decades of escalating prices," economist Marcelo Moura tells the BBC.

Today, the country's economy has slowed slightly and there are protests about high inflation rates, but the upcoming presidential elections are expected to keep any drastic economic decisions in check.