Belo Horizonte tops Minas Gerais job growth in first half of 2026

Data from the General Registry of Employees and Unemployed (Caged) released on 29 June shows Belo Horizonte added 13,800 formal jobs in the first half of 2026, remaining the state's leading city for job creation. However, the city's employment index fell 30.6% compared with the same period in 2025. Betim (5,500 jobs) and Contagem (5,400 jobs) ranked second and third, while Araxá and Montes Claros recorded 2,500 and 2,200 new positions respectively.

In other regional developments, the municipality of Caratinga announced a R$ 3.19 million contract to pave rural mountain roads, aiming to improve year‑round traffic safety. The third Inova Varejo summit in Pouso Alegre attracted over 1,200 participants, focusing on retail innovation, professional development and social impact.