Latin America Chart Pack Growth slows in the “big two” Growth has slowed sharply in Brazil and Mexico – Latin America’s two largest economies – over the past quarter. In Brazil, there are tentative signs that a two-year boom in domestic demand has started... 29th October 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Focus How healthy is Brazil's fiscal position? The Brazilian public finances have improved beyond measure following the various debt crises of the 1980s. But government debt remains high by regional standards, and could rise further, perhaps to as... 27th October 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Worrying signs from Brazil's current account (again) Today’s current account data from Brazil provide further evidence that growth in Latin America’s largest economy is slowing sharply. 26th October 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update More to follow Brazil’s lead Brazil’s decision to continue cutting interest rates despite the fact that inflation is running at a five-year high remains as controversial as ever. Nonetheless, on balance we think that the central... 22nd October 2011 · 1 min read
Global Economics Focus Sovereign Debt: are the emerging markets immune? Emerging markets are not immune from the deepening debt crisis in the developed world, but most are well-placed to deal with the fallout. China faces a difficult structural transition of its own but... 21st October 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Brazil rate cuts not as risky as most assume Although last night’s cut in Brazilian interest rates was well anticipated and fully priced into the market, the decision will add to widespread concerns that policymakers have fallen behind the curve... 21st October 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Brazilian inflation has probably peaked Data released later this week are likely to show another pick-up in Brazilian inflation and will no doubt lead to fresh criticism of the decision to cut interest rates at August’s COPOM meeting. But... 7th October 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Brazil industry sliding into recession This afternoon’s PMI survey data from Brazil suggest that the industrial sector is sliding into recession. In this context, we believe that the recent decision by the central bank (BCB) to cut... 4th October 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Chart Pack Markets take another pounding The Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU) left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 8.0% last night as the board weighed downside risks to growth against stubbornly high inflation. We believe that the BCU... 30th September 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Rate cuts back on the agenda for 2012 The rapid deterioration in the growth outlook for the developed world, and the deepening crisis in Europe in particular, should in time vindicate last month’s surprise (and controversial) decision by... 29th September 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update What should we make of the real’s fall from grace? Fears that the slump in the Brazilian real will lead to a further rise in inflation look greatly exaggerated. There is almost no relationship between fluctuations in the currency and inflation, while... 23rd September 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economic Outlook Heading into choppy waters The economies of Latin America are likely to slow by more than most expect over the next year. We do not anticipate a prolonged downturn, but the marked deterioration in the external environment means... 21st September 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Brazilian inflation edges further above target Data released this afternoon confirm that Brazilian inflation rose further above the central bank’s target in August. The news will do little to calm fears that, following last week’s surprise... 7th September 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Brazil: Q2 GDP data solid, Q3 looking dire Brazil’s economy grew by a solid if not spectacular 0.8% q/q in Q2, but leading indicators suggest that it will struggle to expand at half that pace in Q3. 3rd September 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update What next for Brazilian rates? After last night’s surprise 50bps cut in interest rates, further monetary easing in Brazil will depend on how events elsewhere in the global economy play out. We doubt that rates will be cut as... 2nd September 2011 · 1 min read
Latin America Chart Pack Market rout focuses attention on risks to growth Financial markets in Latin America suffered heavy losses during the recent global market turmoil, extending their poor performance so far this year. Equity markets fell by around 15% amid a widespread... 25th August 2011 · 1 min read
