Argentina in deal with Paris Club to pay $10bn debts

Argentina has reached an agreement with the Paris Club group of international creditor governments to repay its overdue debts over a five-year period.

Brazil set to pause interest rate hikes to shield economy

BRASILIA, May 28 (Reuters) - Brazil will likely stop raising interest rates on Wednesday to avoid choking an already weak economy even if inflation remains stubbornly high.

World Cup 2014: Brazil will win the tournament, at least according to Goldman Sachs

Further evidence of Brazil’s chances of securing a record sixth World Cup came from economists at Goldman Sachs today, who predicted the hosts would beat Argentina 3-1 in the final.

Mexico Peso Volatility Declines to Five-Year Low After U.S. Data

A measure of the Mexican peso’s fluctuations between gains and losses fell to the lowest level since September 2008 as a U.S. report indicated that the Latin American nation’s biggest export market is recovering.

Colombian Peso Leads Emerging Markets Before Presidential Vote

Colombia’s peso posted the biggest three-month rally in emerging markets on speculation the government will maintain policies supporting economic growth no matter who wins the presidential vote.

Chile economy likely grew 2.5 pct in first quarter - cenbanker

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 16 (Reuters) -Chile's economy likely grew by 2.5 percent in the January-to-March period compared with a year earlier, the country's central bank chief said on Friday at a central bankers' seminar in Rio de Janeiro.

Argentina Peso Plunge Becomes Art for Dumpster-Diving CEO

To see the effect of Argentina’s peso devaluation, head to the country’s most popular art show.

Mexico cuts economic growth forecast after weak 1st quarter

(Reuters) - Mexico's economy grew less than expected in the first quarter due to weak domestic demand and sluggish industrial activity, prompting the government to slash its growth outlook to below three percent for 2014.

Argentine economy faces first slump since end of debt crisis

(Reuters) - After a decade of growth, Argentina faces a sharp decline this year as industrial output falls and one of the world's highest inflation rates hits consumer spending and new investment.

Mexico's Economy Remains Weak in First Quarter

MEXICO CITY--Mexico's economy remained weak in the first quarter as the economic slowdown in the U.S. weighed on the country's vital export engine and the impact of new taxes hit domestic demand.

As Latin American economic growth slows, regional economies are at a crossroads

MIAMI — Speakers at the University of Miami's Latin America Symposium said the region can no longer look to favorable world economic trends to create growth.

Brazil adds 105,384 jobs in April, below market forecasts

BRASILIA, May 21 (Reuters) - Brazil's economy added a net 105,384 payroll jobs in April, the Labor Ministry said on Wednesday, well below market expectations.

Argentine economic activity unexpectedly drops in March

BUENOS AIRES, May 16 (Reuters) - Argentina's economic activity index unexpectedly slid in March by 0.9 percent on the year, data from the INDEC statistics agency showed on Friday, adding to signs of a slowdown in Latin America's third-largest economy.

Mexico Congress OKs Political Reform, Paves Way For Energy Bill

MEXICO CITY, May 16 (Reuters) - Mexico's Congress early on Friday gave final approval to a political reform bill that will help clear the way for the passage of legislation needed to implement a major energy reform.

Chile Keeps Rates on Hold as Prices Rise Fastest in Five Years

Chile’s central bank kept borrowing costs unchanged for the second straight month as the inflation rate reached a five-year high and economic growth a near five-year low.

Brazil's Rousseff sticks to her guns despite investor pressure

(Reuters) - Dilma Rousseff sometimes enters the cabin of her presidential plane, asks to see the flight plan and orders the pilot to fly around potential turbulence - even if it might add hours to the journey.

Fleet restructure costs weigh on LATAM Airlines earnings

SANTIAGO, May 13 (Reuters) - Latin America's biggest airline LATAM Airlines posted a loss in the first quarter as improved operating results were offset by fleet restructuring costs, a weak Brazilian real and poor performance in its cargo business.

Mexico Currency Volatility Declines to Lowest Level Since 2008

Mexico’s peso volatility dropped to its lowest level since September 2008 as investors awaited further evidence that Latin America’s second-biggest economy is picking up momentum.

Brazil Swap Rates Drop as April Inflation Slower Than Forecast

Brazilian swap rates fell for the first time in three days as a report indicated that annual inflation accelerated less than forecast in April.

Brazil auto output stagnates in April, trailing year earlier

SAO PAULO, May 9 (Reuters) - Brazilian auto output was little changed in April from March and trailed far behind a year earlier, as weak demand and high inventories pressured global carmakers to trim their workforce.

Argentine economy shrinks in fourth quarter on lower exports

BUENOS AIRES, May 9 (Reuters) - Argentine gross domestic product contracted 0.4 percent in the last three months of 2013 after expanding 1.0 percent in the previous quarter, official data showed on Friday, pointing to growing weakness in Latin America's No. 3 economy.

Mexico annual inflation hits 6-month low in April

MEXICO CITY, May 8 (Reuters) - Mexican inflation cooled to a six-month low in April as electricity and fresh food prices eased, backing expectations for steady interest rates this year in Latin America's No. 2 economy.

Brazil industry takes small step back in March

SAO PAULO, May 7 (Reuters) - Brazilian industrial output fell in March as higher credit costs and rising inventories contributed to a drop in capital goods and auto production.

Argentine inflation data questioned even after reforms

BUENOS AIRES, May 7 (Reuters) - When Argentina revamped its consumer price index this year investors were relieved that Latin America's No. 3 economy was trying to win back the trust of financial markets after years of blatantly underreporting inflation.

Mexico cites major interest in oil reform, including from China

(Reuters) - The Mexican government's opening of its oil and gas industry is attracting major interest from investors worldwide, including companies from China and Singapore, Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said on Monday.

Chile jobless rate at 1-1/2 year high, economy still weak

SANTIAGO, April 30 (Reuters) - Chile's jobless rate in the first quarter rose to 6.5 percent, its highest in 1-1/2 years, while manufacturing output in March fell shy of expectations, underscoring continued weakness in the economy of the top copper exporter.

Brazilian Real Climbs on Speculation Rousseff Support Declining

Brazil’s real rallied the most among major currencies on speculation a poll expected to be published this weekend will show eroding support for President Dilma Rousseff’s re-election.

Panama votes this weekend in closest election since 1989 US invasion

Panamanians vote for a new president on Sunday in the closest contest in a generation with opponents of President Ricardo Martinelli seeking to thwart the business tycoon's attempt to maintain an indirect grip on power.

Brazil's president raises welfare payments ahead of election

President Dilma Rousseff announced increases in payments for Brazil's poorest citizens in honor of the country's May 1st celebrations as she gears up to campaign for reelection in October.

Latin American economies to grow 2.7 pct this year - UN

SANTIAGO, April 29 (Reuters) - The economies of Latin America and the Caribbean will grow less this year than previously forecast, hurt by lower-than-expected dynamism in top economies Brazil and Mexico, the United Nations' economic body for Latin America said on Tuesday.

Mexico presents legislation to implement energy reform

MEXICO CITY, April 30 (Reuters) - Mexico's government on Wednesday presented long-awaited legislation to flesh out an energy reform that forms the core of President Enrique Pena Nieto's plan to ramp up growth in Latin America's second biggest economy.