Brazilian voters heading into Sunday’s first round of the presidential election are weighing sharp differences on security, foreign policy and the environment, while the affordability of everyday goods has become a central economic concern. Picanha, a prized top sirloin cap steak and symbol of prosperity in Brazil, has become a measure of household purchasing power. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva promised during his campaign four years ago that voters would again be able to afford picanha if he won. Lula is now seeking reelection in what polls suggest is a close race with Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. A recent survey found that only 10 percent of Brazilians believe their income rose faster than living costs over the past year. Economic growth accelerated after Lula took office and average wages outpaced inflation during the first three years of his term, but growth is now slowing and household debt has risen sharply. By June, households were using 26.6 percent of their income for non-mortgage debt payments, the central bank said. Analysts have applied the U.S.-origin term "vibecession" to Brazil, describing an economy that is not technically in recession but feels unaffordable. University of São Paulo economist Laura Carvalho attributed the perception gap partly to comparisons with Lula’s 2000s presidency, when Brazil experienced a dramatic boom and many families bought refrigerators and traveled by air for the first time. She also cited price shocks linked to the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the Iran war and Trump’s heavy tariffs on Brazil. Jair Bolsonaro has highlighted rising supermarket prices, including picanha, while offering broad proposals to cut taxes and government spending. One of his top advisors has praised libertarian Argentine President Javier Milei’s policies, which have reduced inflation while poverty has risen in recent months. Lula has downplayed concerns about national debt and announced debt restructuring and a ban on online betting to address household indebtedness. Rio barbecue business co-owner Marcella Pirozzi plans to vote for Bolsonaro, while butcher Arthur Guedes had not decided how to vote days before the election.