Brazilian Real Falls to Four-Year Low, Stoking Inflation Concern

Brazil’s real dropped to a four-year low, adding to concern inflation will undermine efforts to stimulate Latin America’s largest economy.

Argentine Housing Bust Has Government Dialing for Dollars

In a region where booming real estate markets have governments from Chile to Brazil to Colombia warning of potential property bubbles, Argentina stands out as a bust.

Mexico Central Bank Unanimous in Holding Rate as Inflation Slows

Mexican policy makers were unanimous in their decision to leave interest rates unchanged this month as pressure on inflation eased and the Federal Reserve signaled it may begin to withdraw stimulus in the U.S., the minutes published today show.

Breaking taboo, Mexico government aims to tax food, medicine

(Reuters) - Mexico plans to boost its tax coffers by an extra $50 billion a year with an overhaul that aims to extend sales tax coverage, close tax loopholes and could impose charges on capital gains.

Brazil's real economic crisis lies in its overvalued currency

As Pope Francis pushed his way through the crowds in Rio de Janeiro's shantytowns on Thursday, his message that next year's World Cup and the 2016 Olympics would provide jobs and alleviate poverty was greeted with some scepticism. Brazil is facing hard times.

Mexican Peso Bonds Slump on Fed Stimulus Outlook; Currency Slips

Mexican peso bonds fell, pushing yields to a two-week high, as a bigger-than-forecast increase in orders for U.S. durable goods fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve will curtail monetary stimulus.

Cuba still allergic to private property as reforms creep forward

HAVANA (Reuters) - Every Monday in the bowels of Cuba's Palace of the Revolution, a group of men and women charged with revamping the island's moribund economy meets to review progress in building what they have dubbed "a prosperous and sustainable socialism."

Brazil’s Swap Rates Fall as Consumer Prices Drop; Real Advances

Brazil’s swap rates declined to a six-week low as reports showed consumer prices dropped and consumer confidence waned, spurring speculation that the central bank’s increases in borrowing costs will be limited.

Pope Francis arrives to Brazil's warm embrace

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Pope Francis returned Monday to the warm embrace of Latin America, landing in Brazil to begin his first international trip as pontiff.

Mexico to Become One of the World’s Top 10 Aviation Suppliers

Mexico is determined to become one of the world’s top ten aviation suppliers, according to the British newspaper The Guardian.

Portugal ruling party vows to meet bailout goals after pact talks fail

LISBON: Portugal's ruling Social Democrats (PSD) said on Saturday their coalition government would press on with meeting the country's economic bailout goals after talks on a broader political deal sought by the president collapsed.

Bus Fare Reversal Aids Brazil Inflation Fight

Brazil’s inflation slowed more than analysts forecast in mid-July after street protests forced local governments to roll back an increase in urban bus fares.

Fractured Chilean right should pick single candidate - Pinera

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chilean president Sebastian Pinera urged his fractured right-wing coalition to settle on one presidential candidate ahead of the November general election, as the bloc scrambles to avert an electoral debacle.

Brazil's Newest Indicator Reinforces Bleak View Of Economy

RIO DE JANEIRO--Dark clouds are building around the Brazilian economy, with leading indicators in the red and authorities equipped with fewer tools to stimulate growth than in years past, research institute The Conference Board, or TCB, said Wednesday.

Russian central banker declares homes in U.S., Mexico

MOSCOW (Reuters) - A senior Russian central bank official has declared ownership of six apartments in Mexico and a home in the United States, possibly leaving him open to criticism as President Vladimir Putin campaigns to curtail holdings of foreign assets.

A fistful of financial instruments

IN A speech last November, President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner regretted that she did not possess “a little machine to print dollars”.

Brazil Economists Raise 2014 Selic Forecast to Highest All Year

Brazil economists raised their 2014 benchmark interest rate forecast to the highest all year, as policy makers work to slow inflation that has curbed consumption and confidence in the world’s second-biggest emerging market.

Mexico Holds Key Rate as Weaker Peso Undermines CPI Gains

Mexico’s central bank kept its overnight rate at a record low as policy makers balance slowing growth with above-target inflation and a weakening currency in Latin America’s second-biggest economy.

Brazil's Eletrobras cuts over 4,000 jobs in buyout

Brazilian state-led electric utility Eletrobras said on Friday 4,088 employees had agreed to a buyout package aimed at cutting payrolls and slashing costs in the face of lower electricity tariffs.

Green economy not taking off in Latin America

A year after endorsing the principles of the green economy at the Río +20 summit, Latin America is making little progress towards sustainable development models, according to experts. The region “is generally in a precarious situation.

Brazil Swap Rates Drop After Central Bank Statement; Real Gains

Brazil’s swap rates fell to a four-week low as policy makers dashed speculation they would step up the pace of interest-rate increases after raising the benchmark rate by 50 basis points for a second straight meeting.

Mexico reform drive at stake as regions vote

(Reuters) - Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's sweeping economic reform plans hang in the balance in local elections on Sunday with a strong opposition showing seen as crucial to preserve a cross-party pact.

Argentina rescinds Famatina mining concession

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Argentina's La Rioja province is rescinding the concession for the Famatina gold mining project after widespread environmental protests.

Mexico’s Peso Gains on Draghi Low Rates Pledge; Bond Yields Fall

Mexico’s peso rose as a pledge from European Central Bank President Mario Draghi to keep rates low eased concern that near-zero borrowing costs in developed nations were set to increase.

Argentina: Women will now collect welfare money

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Andrea Nerone lost her home and later was denied welfare to support her family after her husband abandoned her and their four children late last year.

Brazil's Batista steps down as chairman of MPX

SAO PAULO (AP) -- Eike Batista, not long ago Brazil's richest man, has resigned as chairman of energy company MPX Energia after it was forced to call off a planned IPO, the company said Thursday.

Argentina rescinds Famatina mining concession

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Argentina's La Rioja province is rescinding the concession for the Famatina gold mining project after widespread environmental protests.

World Bank President Jim Yong Kim returns to Peru, praises social development

World Bank President Jim Yong Kim is in Peru this week, returning to the place where he says his interest in poverty reduction was first piqued.

OGX down 39 percent as Brazil oil company fights to survive

(Reuters) - Brazilian billionaire Eike Batista's flagship oil company OGX Petroleo e Gas SA (OGXP3.SA) slashed capital spending on Monday and pulled the plug on three offshore oil prospects, the latest move by his EBX Group to bolster finances and avert collapse.

Mexico eyes China as new tequila market

Mexican tequila distillers are ready to get the party started in a huge new market -- China. The two countries agreed to increase tequila imports from Mexico when their presidents met earlier this month.