Latin America Economics Update Argentina: time to face the ugly truth on inflation? The IMF’s forthcoming consultation with Argentina on a new inflation methodology seems unlikely to succeed where previous missions have failed. But with balance of payments strains growing, the allure... 27th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Savings hold the key to dealing with falling commodity prices The recent rebound in commodity prices has eased concerns about growth outlook for Latin America. But the key point remains that the windfall from high prices has been spent, rather than saved... 26th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Peru’s Humala makes a solid start; bigger challenges ahead Initial fears that the election of Ollanta Humala would mark a departure from the orthodox economic policies of his predecessor, Alan García, have proven to be wide of the mark. Even so, satisfying... 25th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Colombian growth easing, not overheating Following break-neck Q3 GDP growth in Colombia, there have been some concerns that the economy is overheating. But the recent activity data suggest that the pace of growth is now easing, while... 20th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Will China pull the rug from under Latin America? This is the first edition of our new monthly publication Latin America Watch. This will analyse major talking points in the region and preview key data and events. In this issue we look at the impact... 19th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Few surprises as BCB signals further easing to come There were few surprises from Brazilian policymakers last night as they cut interest rates by 50bps to 10.50% and signalled further easing to come. Despite tentative signs that the economy has picked... 19th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Peru: further policy stimulus on the cards as growth eases Data released today provided further evidence of a moderation in Peru’s economic activity in late-2011. Going forward, growth is likely to slow further, but ample space for policy stimulus will... 16th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Argentina on a road to nowhere with protectionist policies Although a flurry of protectionist policies may provide some temporary relief from strains in Argentina’s balance of payments, these measures will ultimately prove self-defeating. The problem is that... 16th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Chile cuts interest rates as growth cools The Central Bank of Chile (CBC) trimmed its benchmark interest rate by 25bps to 5.0% last night following recent signs of a slowdown in growth. By contrast, Peru’s strong consumer activity and rising... 13th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Brazil: Retail strength unlikely to offset industrial weakness Brazilian retail sales grew by far more than expected in November. But the strong performance is unlikely to have prevented the economy from slipping into a mild recession in the second half of last... 12th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Venezuela: Devaluation may be delayed until after elections After the Venezuelan government devalued the official exchange rate peg against the dollar in January of both 2010 and 2011, speculation has been mounting that it will do so again soon. But while... 10th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Food prices drive Mexican inflation higher While Mexican inflation has risen in recent months, the increase appears to have been due to higher food prices and not the sharp depreciation of the peso. With the economy set to slow this year, and... 9th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Ecuador feels the squeeze from lower oil prices Ecuador’s oil-dependent economy showed clear signs of slowing in Q3 2011 as crude prices fell. A sizeable current account deficit and limited external financing options make the dollarised economy... 9th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Brazil meets inflation target by the skin of its teeth Perhaps a little against the odds, the Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) just about met its inflation target last year as headline inflation slowed to 6.5% in December. Although it may be sticky, inflation... 6th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Brazilian industry remains under the cosh While Brazilian industry finally returned to growth in November, we doubt that the increase will mark the beginning of a sustained pick-up in industrial activity. Indeed, the relatively weak outlook... 5th January 2012 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Chile to cut rates as economic activity cools A minor upturn in Chile’s November economic activity does little to alter the overall trend towards slower growth heading into 2012. With external demand set to deteriorate further over the course of... 5th January 2012 · 1 min read
