Venezuela's Economy Grew 5.5% in 2012 -Central Bank

CARACAS--Venezuela's economy grew 5.5% in 2012, spurred by a sweeping government initiative to address a housing shortfall of 2.7 million homes in the South American country, according to preliminary data released by the central bank Thursday.

Paraguay Looking to Emulate Bolivia With First Dollar Bond Sale

Paraguay, the only Latin American economy set to contract this year, plans to issue the first dollar bonds in its two-century history in the first quarter of 2013 to tap booming global demand for higher yielding debt.

Mexico finds some US allies in trade dispute

As tomato growers in Florida and some other states fight a 16-year-old agreement that they contend allows farmers in Mexico to export tomatoes at a price below their costs, the Mexican farmers are finding allies in the United States.

Colombian CPI Debt Deflated by Most-Effective Bank: Andes Credit

Colombia’s fixed-rate peso bonds have returned three times as much as debt linked to consumer prices this year, after inflation defied economists’ forecasts and fell to a two-year low.

Brazil November Unemployment Rate At 4.9% Vs 5.3% In October - IBGE

RIO DE JANEIRO--Brazil's unemployment rate fell dramatically in November as labor markets in Latin America's largest economy remained tight, pushing local wages to the highest level recorded under the government's current survey.

Colombia Cuts Rate to 4.25% to Lift Slowest Andean Growth

Colombia’s central bank cut interest rates for a second consecutive meeting today, as policy makers try to revive the slowest economic growth in the Andean region.

Mexico’s new government: Coming out swinging

HE ONLY took office on December 1st, but Mexico’s new president is setting a furious pace. Having laid out sweeping changes to education and set up a new anti-corruption commission, Enrique Peña Nieto went on to unveil potentially far-reaching reforms of public security.

Argentine Forecast Gap Keeps Wheat Market Guessing

The global wheat market has the least clarity in five years on South America’s biggest crop as Argentine growers hit by adverse weather say the government is exaggerating harvest estimates to contain price increases.

Brazil aviation faces turbulence after rapid ascent

SAO PAULO: After a decade of soaring growth as millions of Brazilians flew for the first time, Brazil's aviation industry has come back down to earth with a thud.

Colombian lawmakers approve controversial tax reform

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia's Congress gave the green light on Wednesday to a controversial bill that aims to streamline the country's complicated tax system but at the cost of reducing government tax receipts going forward.

Colombian Peso Bonds Rise as Tax Cut Advances; Peso Appreciates

Colombia’s peso bonds rose, pushing yields down the most in a week, as the Lower House approved a proposal to cut taxes on foreigners’ bond profits to 14 percent.

Chavez's cancer may put Venezuela devaluation on hold

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's battle with cancer and the possibility of a new presidential election look likely to delay key economic policy decisions including a sharp currency devaluation needed to shore up public finances.

Argentina's 12-Month Inflation Accelerates to +10.6% In November

BUENOS AIRES--Argentina's government said Friday that annual inflation as measured by its consumer price index accelerated to 10.6% in November, less than half the rate forecast by most private sector economists.

Brazil leader's popularity hits high despite stalled economy

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's approval rating is at an all-time high, despite a stalled economy and political scandals that have tarnished the reputation of her ruling Workers' Party, an opinion poll published on Friday showed.

UN: Latin America to grow by 3.8 pct in 2013

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) -- Latin America and the Caribbean will see strong economic growth in 2013 despite Europe's fiscal woes and a struggling U.S. economy, the UN's regional economic body said on Tuesday.

Brazil's Tombini: Stable Rates to Support Recovery, Low Inflation

BRASILIA--The maintenance of Brazil's interest rates for a prolonged period of time will be sufficient to support a gradual recovery of the economy and keep inflation on target, Brazil's central bank president Alexandre Tombini said Tuesday.

Chavez Names Loyalist Heir as Venezuela Eyes Succession

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez named a longtime ally with close ties to Cuba his heir apparent as the cancer-stricken leader prepares for a potential departure after almost 14 years in power.

Colombia mining boom slows

Mining in Colombia has 'lost competitiveness' and will not hit government targets for 2012, said the director of Colombia mining industry body Wednesday.

Analysis: Mexico's labor reform no panacea for denting the black market

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Juan Ramirez makes up to $42 a week selling candy, newspapers and other items from his street kiosk, but he's not interested in a new Mexican law that aims to bring millions of workers out of the country's informal economy.

Brazil's Rousseff: Economy to Grow More In 2013

BRASILIA--Brazil's economy is set to grow more in the coming quarter and the government doesn't need to make changes in its economic advisory team due to recent sluggish growth, Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff said Friday.

EU, U.S. step up WTO action in Argentina trade row

(Reuters) - The European Union and the United States stepped up their fight against Argentine trade practices on Thursday, formally requesting the World Trade Organization rule on whether the South American country's import restrictions are illegal.

Latin America: Region one of worst for corruption

Latin American economies may have weathered the global recession better than most, reduced poverty, and grown the middle class, but across most of the region corruption remains as entrenched as ever.

Argentina Default Swaps Traders Lose 81% as Risk Recedes

Traders who bought three-month protection against an Argentine default lost 81 percent of their money in the two days after a U.S. court delayed a ruling that could have blocked payments to bondholders.

Latin American Cargo Clients Shipping from Peru set to Increase as Another Strong Fiscal Year Approaches

Peru is a stable and strong economy that is grabbing international investing attention. Shipping from Peru are many natural resources that make it stable in fluctuating markets.

Brazil Economists Cut 2012, 2013 Economy Expansion View -Survey

SAO PAULO--Financial-market analysts and economists reduced their forecast for Brazil's economic expansion this year, for the third consecutive week, and also for 2013 as economic performance has been poor so far this year and due to weaker-than-expected results for the third quarter released last week, according to a weekly central-bank survey released Monday.

Analysis: Mexico's new president to reset drug war, push reforms

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's new president takes office on Saturday seeking to shift the focus away from a grisly drug war and onto economic reforms aimed at sparking fast growth and pulling the country out of the shadow of regional powerhouse Brazil.

Fitch downgrades Argentina to 'CC' from 'B', says default is probable

NEW YORK: The credit rating agency Fitch Ratings on Tuesday downgraded Argentina, which is locked in a court battle in New York over its debt, and said the country would probably default.

UN: Latin American poverty lowest in 3 decades

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — The number of people living in poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean has dropped to its lowest level in three decades due to higher wages, the UN's regional economic body said on Tuesday.

U.S. & Latin America: Partnership of value

Tremendous and largely untapped opportunity exists for greater partnerships among companies and workers — as well as government cooperation — throughout the Americas.

Chavez Choking on Bolivars to Spur Venezuelan Bond Sales

The bolivar’s plunge to a record on the black market is pressuring Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to end the longest drought of dollar-bond sales in five years.

Peru's SNMPE Sees Record Mining Investments in 2012

LIMA, Peru--Investments in Peru's mining sector are expected to reach a record-high this year despite delays to some large-scale projects, the National Mining, Oil and Energy Society, or SNMPE, said Wednesday.

Argentina rejects US ruling over foreign debt repayment

Argentina will appeal against a US ruling ordering it to pay $1.3bn (£800m) to foreign creditors holding bonds that it defaulted on in 2001.

Venezuela economic growth at 5.2 percent

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s economy grew 5.2 percent in the third quarter as compared to the same period last year, officials said Tuesday, crediting both the private sector and an increase in government spending.

Brazil Inflation Converging to Target in 2013, Tombini Says

Brazil’s central bank President Alexandre Tombini said inflation will converge to the bank’s 4.5 percent target in the third quarter of 2013 even as new data showed the pace slowing less than expected.

Ecuador lawmakers raise bank taxes ahead of election

QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador lawmakers on Tuesday approved hiking bank taxes to finance cash payments to the poor, a move that could cement President Rafael Correa's chances of winning re-election, but which banks have described as a confiscation.

Argentina's Fernandez faces her first general strike

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Opposition trade unions protesting Argentina's economic policies brought public transportation and grains exports to a halt on Tuesday in the first general strike since President Cristina Fernandez took office five years ago.

Latin America pledges support for Iberia, warns on austerity

CADIZ, Spain (Reuters) - Latin America on Saturday pledged investment opportunities for recession-hit Spanish and Portuguese companies but warned its former colonial masters drastic cost cutting would only deepen their misery.

Argentina still seeking an out from debt showdown

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina refused late Friday to give up its long fight against bond holdouts seeking $1.45 billion for their piece of defaulted debt on which most other bondholders accepted steep discounts years ago as the country climbed out of an economic crisis.

Brazil: As if the government in Brazil were not enough

While the Brazilian central bank has lowered interest rates to an historic low to stimulate economic growth, the government's policies seem to be a weak patchwork of support for favored industries.

Smaller companies key to Latin American growth

CADIZ, Spain (AP) — Small and medium-sized companies in Latin America could play a key role in strengthening and consolidating the region's economic growth, which this year will slow down for the first time in nearly a decade, two international organizations said Friday.

Mexico-U.S. near agreement on bilateral tomato trade pact

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico and the United States expect to reach agreement on a new bilateral tomato trade pact by the end of the month, Mexico's economy minister said on Tuesday.

Ecuador's Correa to seek re-election, clear favorite

QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's President Rafael Correa launched his re-election bid on Saturday for a February vote likely to give him a new four-year term to continue boosting state control over the Andean nation's economy.

DATA SNAP: Mexico's Annual Inflation Eases From 2-1/2 Year Peak

MEXICO CITY--Mexico's annual inflation eased in October for the first time in five months, fading away from the 2-1/2 year peak recorded the previous month and giving room for the central bank to delay a possible rate increase.

Cuba to try letting workers run state restaurants

HAVANA (AP) — Cuba's government will begin renting state-owned restaurants to workers who want to run them independently, authorities announced Friday in the latest step of President Raul Castro's economic overhaul.

Brazil's Hamilton: Inflation to Move to Target on Nonlinear Path

BRASILIA--Brazil's inflation will move in the direction of a 4.5% annual target set by the government, though in a nonlinear manner, central bank economic department director Carlos Hamilton said Thursday.

Argentina 'freezes Chevron assets' over Ecuador damage

A judge has ordered $19bn (£11.9bn) of assets held by oil company Chevron to be frozen in Argentina over an environmental damages claim in Ecuador, lawyers in the case say.

Exclusive: Cuba opens sugar sector to foreign management

(Reuters) - Brazilian builder Odebrecht SA ODBES.UL will begin administrating a Cuban sugar mill next week in the first sign the industry is ready to accept foreign participation since the 1959 revolution, two company sources said on Wednesday.

Colombia’s Peso Surges as Seized Brokerage’s Trading Taken Over

Colombia’s peso rose the most in four months as the government said Bancolombia SA (BCOLO) will take over bond trading of the country’s biggest brokerage after it was seized by authorities.

Argentina: Where Risks and Opportunities Abound

Corporate CEOs, bankers, public functionaries, renowned economists and financial advisors, many of the most influential people in the Argentinean financial markets met to discuss the country´s perspectives for 2013 last Tuesday in a seminar organized by the specialized publication Bank Magazine.

Selling in Colombia ETF Overdone After Interbolsa Decline

Shares of the Global X FTSE Colombia ETF (NYSE: GXG ), the largest ETF tracking South America's second-largest economy, are on pace for their worst week in multiple months amid concerns about the financial health of Interbolsa SA's brokerage operations.

Argentine Bonds Fall Most in Emerging Markets, Extending Rout

Argentine bonds fell the most in emerging markets today, extending losses sparked by an Oct. 26 U.S. court ruling favoring bondholders of defaulted debt.

Brazil's corn, ethanol exports surge after U.S. drought

(Reuters) - Brazil's trade ministry said the country's exports of corn and ethanol rose in October as foreign buyers turned to Brazil after the worst drought in 50 years ravaged U.S. crops.

Mexico 2013 inflation view steady despite price spike

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Analysts raised their forecast for Mexican annual inflation this year for the fifth month in a row, but backed the central bank's view that the advance in consumer prices will slow its pace in 2013, a poll showed on Thursday.

Argentina Will Keep Paying Bondholders - Economy Minister

BUENOS AIRES--Argentina's federal government will continue to pay the bonds it issued to restructure debt the South American nation defaulted on more than a decade ago, Economy Minister Hernan Lorenzino said Wednesday.

Mexican Mining Investments Seen Reaching Record $7.6 Billion in 2012

QUERETARO, Mexico--Investment in Mexico's mining sector is expected to reach an all-time high this year of $7.6 billion, up 36% from 2011, and to keep rising in 2013 despite a decline in international prices for most metals, top mining industry leaders said Tuesday.

Latin America seen as 'second-tier' issue in US election

BOGOTA, Colombia — There's a running joke in Latin America that the region should be allowed to vote for the U.S. president because the outcome matters so much here. But with just over a week to go before the election, the region is feeling left out of the race.

Brazil Credit Growth Slows, But Pace to Pick Up Again Soon

BRASILIA--Growth in Brazilian lending volume slowed slightly in September, but the pace should pick up again in the coming months as declining credit costs and a recovering economy spur consumer and business borrowing.

Colombia Holds Policy Rate at 4.75% as Global Risk Seen Abating

Colombia kept interest rates unchanged for a second straight month as policy makers judge that bond- buying plans by the U.S. Federal Reserve and European Central Bank will ease the risk of a global slump.

Mexico's August Economic Activity Up 3.5% From a Year Ago

MEXICO CITY--Economic activity in Mexico rose in August from a year ago, but was down from July as industrial output slowed from the previous month.

Brazil Real Falls From Two-Week High as Central Bank Intervenes

Brazil’s real dropped from a two- week high after the central bank auctioned reverse currency swaps to support exporters by preventing appreciation.

Fidel Castro alive and well: Chavez aide

HAVANA (Reuters) - Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro is alive and well, according to Elias Jaua, a former Venezuelan vice president who says he met with Castro over the weekend.

Brazil Regulators OK Sinochem Purchase of 10% Stake in Offshore Blocks

Brazil's National Petroleum Agency, or ANP, approved Chinese oil company Sinochem's purchase of a 10% stake in five offshore blocks as the state-run company continues its expansion into Latin America's hottest oil frontier.

Mexico's September Unemployment 5.0% Versus 5.7% Year Ago

MEXICO CITY--Unemployment in Mexico fell in September from a year earlier, and was also down from August as the economy continued to generate jobs amid steady economic growth.

Argentina evacuating navy ship seized in Ghana

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina announced the immediate evacuation Saturday of about 300 crew members from the ARA Libertad, a navy training ship seized in Africa nearly three weeks ago as collateral for unpaid bonds dating from the South American nation's economic crisis a decade ago.

Brazil Had Capital Outflow of $1.319 Billion in First Two Weeks of October

BRASILIA--Brazil had a net capital outflow of $1.319 billion in the first two weeks of October, with both a trade deficit and an outflow of investment capital, the central bank said Wednesday.

Argentina Strikes Back at Colombia’s Claim of Bigger Economy

Argentina’s economy minister is striking back at Colombia’s claim that it has overtaken his country to become South America’s second-biggest economy.

Colombia ETFs Head-to-Head

Given the ongoing turmoil in Europe and still dismal U.S. job market, most investors are showing a large level of interest in the emerging Latin American economies.

Betting on Brazil

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Brazil may not be growing the way it once was, but there are still opportunities to be had in Latin America's largest economy.

Colombia Ditches Brazil at IMF as BRIC Power Estranges Neighbors

Colombia is leaving a group at the International Monetary Fund led by Brazil, whose quest for influence as a member of the BRICS group of emerging markets is alienating some of its smaller, Spanish-speaking neighbors.

Brazil Swap Rates Fall on Central Bank Signal; Currency Gains

Brazil swap rates dropped toward a record after the central bank signaled it will keep borrowing costs at an all-time low for an extended period.

Denying Dollars to Holders Echoes ’02 Seizure: Argentina Credit

A move by a soybean-growing province in northern Argentina to pay its dollar debt in pesos is raising the specter that holders of the nation’s $19 billion of local U.S. currency bonds won’t get their money back.

Mexico annual inflation hits 2-1/2-year high in September

MEXICO CITY – Mexican inflation accelerated to a 2-1/2-year high in September as prices of fresh food continued to rise although analysts expect no immediate reaction from the central bank.

Brazil Posts $812 Million Trade Surplus for Oct. 1-7

SAO PAULO--Brazil posted a foreign-trade surplus of $812 million for the first week of October, bringing the year-to- date surplus to $16.54 billion, significantly lagging behind 2011 performance, the Trade and Development Ministry said Monday.

IMF cuts growth outlook for Latin America on global weakness

(Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund cut its growth forecasts for Latin America on Monday against a backdrop of deteriorating global growth and contagion risks if the euro zone crisis deepens and China's growth slows more than expected.

Argentina Central Bank Wants Public to Save in Pesos, Abandon Dollar

BUENOS AIRES--The president of Argentina's central bank has affirmed the government's policy of eliminating the U.S. dollar as a transaction and savings medium in the South American economy.

Botched Chile Lithium Tender Won't Damp Mining Investments

SANTIAGO, Chile--The botched tender for a lithium operations contract, resulting in a voided contest and the resignation of the mining undersecretary Tuesday, won't damp mining investments in copper-rich Chile.

Brazil August Industrial Capacity Use 80.9%, Unchanged From July

BRASILIA--Brazil's use of installed industrial capacity held steady in August, despite signs of an incipient recovery in other indicators, the country's National Confederation of Industries, or CNI, said Thursday.

Mexico's Economy Giving Brazil, China a Run for their Money

Here's a bold prediction for 2022: Mexico will beat Brazil. Some analysts say 2022 may actually be the year when Mexico moves past Brazil to become Latin America's biggest economy.

Brazil to Push Policy, Quota Reforms at IMF Meeting - Source

BRASILIA--Brazil's government will push for accelerated implementation of policy remedies for the global economy and pending reforms of the International Monetary Fund's quota system at an upcoming meeting of that institution next week, a source from the Brazilian government said Wednesday.

Latin America growth to slow in 2012, UN report says

Latin America will grow at a slower pace than last year, primarily due to weaker growth in Argentina and Brazil, a United Nations report has suggested.

Brazil Swap Rates Decline as Analysts Cut 2013 Selic Forecast

Brazilian swap rates fell to a two- month low after analysts cut their forecasts for benchmark borrowing costs next year as faltering global growth cooled inflation expectations for Latin America’s biggest economy.

Mexico lower house approves diluted labor reform

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's lower house of Congress on Friday gave provisional approval to a bill that would mark the biggest shake-up of the country's labor market in four decades.

Cameron leads British hunt for business in Brazil

BRASILIA (Reuters) - British Prime Minister David Cameron had oil and sports on his mind when he visited Brazil this week seeking business opportunities in the South American nation that overtook Britain last year to become the world's No. 6 economy.

Colombian Copycat Banks Sell 13 Years of Bonds in Months

Colombian banks are selling record amounts of foreign bonds this quarter, pushing this year’s tally above the total of the previous 13 years, as they take advantage of record-low U.S. rates to finance more lending.

Startup Latin America: The Digital Revolution Heads South

Inspired by tech icons (and young billionaires) like Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Jack Dorsey a growing number of entrepreneurs in Latin America are embracing the digital revolution and starting new tech ventures.

Mexico economic growth picks up, slower days seen ahead

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's annual growth rate sped up in July on the afterglow of election spending and despite a sluggish U.S. economy, but analysts are sticking to their predictions of a slowdown in the second half of this year.

Argentine Leader Challenges Critics in US

President Cristina Fernandez comes to Wall Street and Washington on Monday with a message for critics who say Argentina is headed for economic disaster by refusing to play by the rules of the global financial system: good riddance to the rules.

Booming economy overshadowed by Mexico's violence

Overshadowed by drug violence, Mexico's emerging economy surprises many.Forbes Magazine reports that Mexico is "the little darling of emerging market investors" and poised to become Latin American's largest economy, surpassing Brazil.

Argentina's Economy Stalled in 2nd Quarter on Government Policies, Trade

BUENOS AIRES--Argentina's once fast-growing economy hit a wall in the second quarter, as government policies and weak exports to Brazil weighed on activity.

Mexico jobless rate rises more than expected in August

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's jobless rate rose in August, breaking a five-month streak of declines and adding to expectations of a deceleration in Latin America's second-largest economy in the second half of 2012.

Can Mexico reclaim title as region's largest economy from Brazil?

Mexico’s President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto has embarked on a diplomatic tour of six countries in Central and South America in an effort to reset rocky relationships and reestablish Mexico's position in the region.

Brazilian stocks seesaw after string of wins

LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) — Brazilian stocks fell Monday, ending the market’s longest string of wins in eight months. The Ibovespa (BR:BVSP), which swung between gains and losses, finished 0.5% lower at 61,805.98, under pressure from housing and most stocks in the steel group.

Argentina to Send 2013 Budget to Congress

BUENOS AIRES--Argentine President Cristina Kirchner will submit her government's 2013 budget bill to the lower house of Congress on Friday, state news agency Telam said.

Brazil’s Antitrust Authority May Change Rules Governing Funds

Brazil’s antitrust authority may change merger reporting requirements for investment funds after complaints that the regulations, which took effect three months ago, are too sweeping.

Mexico's Pena Nieto eyes trade, security ties in Latin America

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's incoming President Enrique Pena Nieto will tour Latin America next week seeking to pave the way for deeper cooperation in the fight against drug gangs and stronger trade ties.

Colombia Sells $557 Million of Peso Bonds in Overseas Markets

Colombia sold 1 trillion pesos ($557 million) of peso-linked bonds in overseas markets to take advantage of demand for emerging-market assets after the Federal Reserve took measures to lower benchmark U.S. yields.

China Steps Up Push Into Latin America

SHANGHAI—Chinese companies are looking to increase their investments in Latin America and expand beyond their focus on mining and resources—a development that experts say could be needed if China wants to avoid tensions in the region.

Brazil Cuts Energy Costs to Boost Growth Through Competitiveness

Brazil will cut taxes and renegotiate rates with power companies to reduce electricity costs next year and boost a recovery in the world’s sixth- largest economy.

Mexico's Cemex strikes debt deal, eyes more asset sales

(Reuters) - Mexico's Cemex, one of the biggest cement makers in the world, has agreed to a new deal with creditors to push back debt payments and is considering fresh asset sales as it wraps up a $7.2 billion refinancing.

Brazil ETFs Strengthen on Stimulus Measures

The largest ETF for Brazil has been forming a base since May and is now trying to break out as the government attempts to kick-start the economy.

Pinera Bullish on Chilean GDP Growth Amid ‘Gloomy’ World Picture

Chile’s economic growth may accelerate next year as the world’s largest copper producer attracts ever increasing amounts of investment, President Sebastian Pinera said in an interview.

Existing Mexican Home Sales Surge as New Ones Shunned: Mortgages

Laura Romero’s four-year-old son attends pre-school and her husband works at a Mexico City soda maker, so location was a top priority as they shopped for a home in the Western Hemisphere’s most populous metropolitan area.

Cuba struggles with foreign investment, growth

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba's failure to encourage more foreign investment is crippling its economic performance and putting its goal of sustainable growth in danger unless changes are made, local experts and diplomats said this week.

Argentina Aug Car Production Snaps Back, But Still Down On Year

BUENOS AIRES --Argentina's automobile production jumped sharply in August but was still down significantly from the record levels posted last year.

Brazil Stability Could Shift Focus to Nominal Budget Deficit

BRASILIA--The Brazilian government's focus on hitting its target for a primary budget surplus is a relic of the days when the country risked defaulting on its borrowing from foreign lenders, and some economists are pushing anew for that to be abandoned in favor of a goal for the overall budget deficit.

Argentina's July Leading Index Up 0.3% on Month; Down 15.7% on Year

BUENOS AIRES--Argentina's economic activity rose on the month in July but is still down on the year, according to a survey of leading indicators published by Torcuato Di Tella University, or UTDT.

Mexico pres seeks to cement legacy in last address

MEXICO CITY (AP) — As he nears the end of his six-year term, Mexican President Felipe Calderon leaves his country with a better-armored economy — and also more armored cars.

Brazil Reports 0.4% Growth Rate

Brazil’s national statistics agency announced today that the country’s gross domestic product expanded 0.4% over the previous three months, the fastest pace in a year.

Colombia Brags of Overtaking Argentina as Echeverry Eyes IMF Job

Colombia’s finance chief, looking to become the International Monetary Fund’s top official in Latin America, boasted that his economy has overtaken Argentina’s as the region’s third-biggest as a result of the Argentine peso’s slide on the unregulated currency market.

Peru’s Rating Outlook Raised by S&P as Mining Boosts Growth

The outlook on Peru’s debt rating was raised to positive from stable by Standard & Poor’s as investment in mining, energy and infrastructure bolsters the Andean nation’s prospects for economic and export growth.

Brazil cuts interest rates to fresh record low

Brazil's central bank has cut its benchmark interest rate to a record low of 7.5% in an attempt to reignite a stalled economic recovery.

Alternative Energy And Global Energy Security In Aftermath Of Rio+20

By Alexander Mirtchev, Contributor

 

“Life always gets harder toward the summit–the cold increases, the responsibility increases.” These words by Friedrich Nietzsche aptly characterize the atmosphere among global leaders at June’s international summits.

Emerging market economy of the day: Argentine economy

The Argentine economy ( ARGT , quote ) received more bad news this week as the country struggles to regain its financial footing in the midst of the global financial crisis.

Forget Brazil; Mexico ETF is Hot

Brazil, which was once foreign investors’ favorite investment destination in Latin America, is currently facing some significant challenges.

As Argentina's economy slows, President Cristina Fernandez's popularity dips

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez's popularity sank to 30 percent in August, less than half of what it was a year earlier, according to a poll published on Sunday that portrayed a country worried about crime and high inflation.

Colombia's president says to keep defense minister in post

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said on Saturday he would not remove his embattled defense minister in a cabinet shake-up despite growing criticism over an increasing number of attacks by Marxist guerrillas in Latin America's No. 4 economy.

Now hiring: Brazil wants more foreign professionals

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil's government is exploring ways to ease immigration rules in order to attract up to 10 times more foreign professionals and help spur economic growth, a senior official told Reuters.

Mexican firms making big bond sales

Mexican companies from America Movil to Petroleos Mexicanos are becoming the biggest sellers of international bonds in Latin America as they take advantage of record-low borrowing costs.

Bets on Brazil Recovery Hold Unemployment at Record Lows

Brazilian metal worker Danilo Gritti didn’t lose his job in a Mercedes-Benz (DAI) bus and truck plant when demand slackened earlier this year.

Rich-poor gap grows in Latin America: UN

The gap is widening between the rich and poor in much of Latin America, the world's most economically unequal and its most urbanized region, the UN said Tuesday.

Worse-Than-Argentina Debt Offer Rejected by Belize Bondholders

Belize is offering bondholders 20 cents on the dollar in a debt restructuring, worse than what Argentina gave creditors following its 2001 default, according to Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) and Citigroup Inc.

Brazil Swap Rates Climb on Higher Inflation Forecast; Real Falls

Brazilian swap rates rose to a six- week high after analysts covering the economy increased their 2012 inflation forecast, bolstering speculation the central bank may limit its cycle of borrowing-cost cuts.

Mexico's big oil problem

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Mexico, one of the largest suppliers of oil to the United States, has a big problem: Its production of crude is falling fast. In 2008, the country's production peaked at 3.2 million barrels a day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Argentina July Industrial Production -2.3% on Year - OJF

BUENOS AIRES -(Dow Jones)- Argentine manufacturers decreased output in July from a year ago as the economy continued to suffer amid weaker demand at home and from neighboring Brazil.

Asia eyes Brazil's growing consumer market

With Europe and the United States in the economic doldrums, Asian manufacturers are setting their sights on Brazil's lucrative consumer market ahead of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.

Santander Mexico Said to Seek Up to $4 Billion in IPO

Banco Santander SA (SAN)'s Mexican unit plans to raise as much as $4 billion in a record initial public offering for Latin America's second-biggest economy, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Brazil changes tack with new stimulus plan

Brazil's government is set to launch the first in a series of measures that could inject up to $50bn (£32bn) into the economy over the next five years.

Analysis: Argentine inflation "resilient" despite slowing growth

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentine dairy farmers dumped truckloads of milk in protests this week while millions of commuters endured the longest subway workers strike in history, all thanks to high inflation that is not seen easing despite a sharp economic slowdown.

Mobius Chimes in on Mexico

Mexico, Latin America's second-largest economy behind Brazil, is gaining steam as an investment option for foreign investors.

Brazil’s Real Advances on Speculation Stimulus to Boost Growth

Brazil’s real advanced for a third day as speculation grew that the government’s efforts to fuel faster growth in Latin America’s largest economy will take hold in the second half of the year.

Peru Likely to Keep 4.25% Rate as Prices Ease and Economy Booms

Peru’s policy makers will probably leave the benchmark interest rate unchanged for a 15th consecutive month today as inflation slows and economic growth outperforms regional peers.

Brazil's Caixa: Banks Optimistic on Recovery in Second Half

BRASILIA--Brazilian banks are optimistic about the prospects for a recovery of the local economy during the second half of this year, the president of state-controlled bank Caixa Economica Federal, Jorge Hereda, said Wednesday.

Mexico's Consumer Confidence Rises in July after Election

MEXICO CITY--Consumer confidence in Mexico rose in July from the previous month, while also gaining from its year- earlier level, the National Statistics Institute, or Inegi, said Friday.

Latin American dividend stocks can cut risk

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Latin America, known to foreign investors as a high-risk but fast-growing region, doesn’t have to be quite so risky. By investing in dividend-paying stocks in Latin America, investors can trim that risk substantially and increase income at the same time.

Chile is still a model for Latin neighbors

Chile’s image as Latin America’s star economy has been battered lately by images of violent student protests, but new economic data — including a decline in poverty rates announced last week — suggest that the so-called “Chilean model” is still very much alive.

Echeverry Seeks More Ammunition for Colombia Currency War

Colombian Finance Minister Juan Carlos Echeverry stepped up pressure on the central bank to boost dollar purchases and damp a rally in the peso that threatens to undermine local industry and farmers.

Argentina celebrates bond payoff as end of an era

Bond payoffs are supposed to be boring, but Argentina’s president is celebrating Friday’s final $2.3-billion (U.S.) payment on a bond given to people whose savings were confiscated a decade ago, calling it a lesson for European countries now mired in foreign debt.

Chile rejigs criticized tax reform bill in Congress push

Aug 2 (Reuters) - Chile's government on Thursday rejigged a sweeping tax reform bill aimed at helping fund an education overhaul, removing criticized benefits for higher earners as it seeks to help its passage through Congress ahead of key local elections.

Chinese Interest in Latin America's Growth

China's interest in Latin America is a fairly new phenomenon that has developed with the past decade. Since April 2000 when President Jiang Zemin became the first Chinese official to visit the region, commercial ties between the two regions broadened and deepened.

Venezuela joins Mercosur trading bloc

Venezuela has joined Mercosur, six years after first applying to join the South American trading bloc.

Brazil Economy To Pick Up In Second Half - Central Bank Head

LONDON--Economic growth should accelerate in Brazil in the second half of 2012, the country's central bank chief said Friday.

Peru's Humala says to boost social spending to avert conflicts

LIMA (Reuters) - President Ollanta Humala vowed on Saturday to ramp up social spending for the poor as he tries to spread the benefits of an economic boom to all Peruvians and defuse conflicts over mining that have marred his term.

Argentine leader grants vast powers to adviser

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina's president granted vast new power over the nation's economy Friday to a young firebrand who was the brains behind the takeover of YPF from Spain's Repsol oil company.

Colombia finmin expects slower 2012 growth, wants rate cut

(Reuters) - Colombian Finance Minister Juan Carlos Echeverry said on Tuesday that the Andean country would grow more slowly than expected in 2012 at 4.5 percent versus 4.8 percent previously, hit by falling growth in agriculture and industry.

Brazil Central Banker Says Economy In Recovery

Brazil’s weak economy will be flexing its muscles heading into the second half and likely grow at 4 percent in annualized terms, Brazil’s Central Bank president Alexandre Tombini told reporters in a conference call on Monday.

Latin America: Is China now bad for business?

LIMA, Peru — The global economic malaise may finally be about to hit Latin America’s booming economies as the motor of their growth, Chinese demand, starts to rev down.

Mexico's Pena Nieto backs stronger trade ties with Asia

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico must look to increase its trade with Asia, especially if the U.S. economy does not improve, President-elect Enrique Pena Nieto was quoted as saying on Monday.

Steep hike in customs fees leaves many Cubans fuming

HAVANA (Reuters) - A sharp increase in customs duties has angered many Cubans and cast a shadow over market-oriented reforms on the communist-ruled island advocated by President Raul Castro.

Argentine Factory Output Tumbles as Brazil Buys Fewer Cars

Argentina’s industrial production fell more than 4 percent for a second straight month in June, the biggest two-month drop in a decade, as slowing growth in Brazil undermines automobile exports and steel production.

Brazilian stocks post second consecutive advance

LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) — Brazilian stocks rose Wednesday as steel producer Usiminas gained on a ratings upgrade and after the U.S. central bank chief said the world’s largest economy is still seeing some growth.

Analysis: Job challenge looms for next Mexican president

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - In a country beset with drugs wars and a massive underground economy, Mexico's president-elect faces a tall order to stem the drift of young people into organized crime and off-the-books work: create jobs, lots of them.

Brazil’s Petrobras Raising Prices as Rivals’ Sales Drop

Petroleo Brasileiro SA, the worst- performing major oil stock this year, is raising fuel prices even as a recession in Europe and slowdown in China reduces revenue at global energy providers.

Foreign Policy: Give Mexico A Chance

Mexico's tepid economic performance in the last decade has been a major disappointment — and is one reason why the PRI, the less-than-democratic political party that was ousted in 2000 after 71 years of rule, has just returned to power in the country's presidential election.

Jindal Steel Sets New Deadline to Resolve Bolivia Impasse - Executive

Jindal Steel & Power Ltd. (532286.BY) has given the Bolivian government more time to resolve issues holding back the Indian company's iron-ore mining and steelmaking project, after its earlier deadline to pull out of the South American country expired Sunday.

Brazilian stocks, currency fall after rate cut

LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) — Brazilian stocks fell Thursday, with an interest-rate cut by the central bank to a new historic low underscoring concerns about the pace of slowing in Latin America’s largest economy.

Analysis: Latin America's love affair with China may sour

MEXICO CITY/SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Latin America has developed a dangerous dependency on China as a voracious consumer of commodity exports and the region now faces a potential hit as the huge Asian economy cools.

Brazil Retail Sales Fall Most Since 2008 as Shoppers Pinched

Brazil’s retail sales fell in May by the most in more than three years, as indebted consumers failed to respond to government measures to spur demand.

Mexican peso drops on euro zone anxiety

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Brazil's real and Mexico's peso traded little changed on Monday as worries weighed that euro zone finance ministers would offer little in the way of containing a crisis that has been hurting Latin American economies.

Cuban bank deposits abroad plummet

MIAMI -- Cuban bank assets deposited in foreign financial institutions that belong to an international reporting system showed a stunning plunge of $1.55 billion, or 24 percent, in just the last three months of last year.

Ecuador Seeks Liquidity Loan as Correa Loses Oil Funding

Ecuador is seeking a $515 million loan from the Latin American Reserve Fund to shore up liquidity as falling oil prices leave President Rafael Correa looking for new ways to fund spending.

Brazil June inflation at lowest level in 2 years

Brazilian inflation slowed in June to its lowest level in nearly two years thanks to temporary tax cuts on vehicles and lower fuel prices as the government seeks to boost the economy.

Argentine economy: still too risky for investors, but speculators love it

A recent leading economic indicator, published by Torcuato Di Tella University, put odds of a recession in the Argentine economy at 95% for a second consecutive month.

Solar, wind energy a missed opportunity for Cuba

RAMON GORDO, Cuba (AP) — The sleepy country setting that farmer Juan Alonso calls home hasn't changed much since he was born 74 years ago, with the two rustic wooden houses nestled among palm trees against a backdrop of green hills and clear skies.

Brazil, Losing Momentum

Brazil has lost its momentum. If it ever had any following a dismal 0.2 percent print in the national GDP in the first quarter.

Analysis: Mexico's creaky economy to test Pena Nieto's ambitions

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's creaky domestic economy, riddled with monopolies and inefficiencies, makes the next government's goal of boosting growth to rates last seen in the 1970's seem like a pipe dream.

Chile Stocks End Sharply Higher but Close 2Q With 6.3% Decline

Chile's IPSA select-stock index closed sharply higher Friday on global market euphoria fueled by the outcome of a European leaders' summit, but posted a 6.3% decline in the second quarter as the euro zone's debt crisis hurt markets worldwide.

Rousseff still popular despite Brazil's economic lull

(Reuters) - President Dilma Rousseff is enjoying record approval ratings as Brazilians laud her efforts to lower interest rates and jumpstart the country's stalled economy, a poll showed Friday.

Mercosur welcomes Venezuela, suspends Paraguay

MENDOZA, Argentina (Reuters) - The Mercosur trade bloc - which includes regional heavyweights Brazil and Argentina - will make Venezuela a full member next month, uniting South America's biggest grains and energy exporters.

Lone Latin America Rate Rises Fade as Colombia Hints at Cuts

Traders are betting Colombia will fall into line with other emerging markets and begin cutting interest rates as soon as July after keeping borrowing costs unchanged at 5.25 percent for a fourth straight meeting today.

Morgan Stanley dragged into Brazil bank fight: report

(Reuters) - Brazilian authorities want investment banking giant Morgan Stanley to return about 113 million reais ($54 million) associated with a stock sale by shareholders of troubled lender Banco Cruzeiro do Sul, which was seized by the central bank this month, Folha de S.Paulo newspaper reported Sunday.

Glencore protests at nationalisation of Bolivia mine

Mining giant Glencore has protested strongly at the nationalisation of an operation in Bolivia.

Mexico's May Unemployment 4.8% Vs. 5.2% Year Ago

MEXICO CITY--Unemployment in Mexico fell in May compared with its year-ago level and was practically unchanged from April, the National Statistics Institute, or Inegi, said Friday.

Brazil in trade pact with China, sees aviation gains

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazil and China on Thursday signed a handful of trade agreements aimed at boosting investment and trade flows for the coming decade, at a time when economic growth in both emerging market powerhouses is losing momentum abruptly.

Mexico loses $872B in 40 years

Mexico's economy lost a staggering $872 billion dollars over a 40-year period to tax evasion, corruption and crime that included drug, arms and human trafficking, according to a new study by Global Financial Integrity.

Petrobras $237 billion plan a fiction without fuel hike

(Reuters) - Petrobras (PETR4.SA), Brazil's state-led oil company, and its latest business plan have a serious problem.

China Leads Nations Boosting IMF’s Firewall to $456 Billion

Emerging-market nations including China and Brazil formalized funding pledges to the International Monetary Fund, helping to almost double its lending power to protect the world economy from Europe’s debt turmoil.

Europe’s Mistakes a Lesson for Latin America, Chile Says

Latin America must avoid the costly welfare policies plunging Europe into crisis and should adhere to a market-friendly course to preserve gains made over the past decade’s economic boom, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said.

Argentine Economy Grew 5.2% in First Quarter From Year Ago

Argentina’s economy expanded at the slowest pace since 2009 in the first quarter, hampered by a slowdown in Brazil and drought-hit harvests.

Colombia, Costa Rica to sign trade agreement

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Reuters) - Presidents Laura Chinchilla of Costa Rica and Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia agreed on Friday to start negotiations for a free trade agreement between their two countries.

Brazil raises G20 stakes on IMF funding pledge

(Reuters) - Brazil raised the stakes ahead of next week's Group of 20 summit on Tuesday by saying it may cap its contribution to a planned funding increase for the International Monetary Fund unless there are firm promises to give emerging markets more say at the international table.

Is Latin America’s middle class on safe ground?

BOGOTA, Colombia (MarketWatch) — Andrea Enciso Garcia has found a niche — buying certified organic vegetables and herbs from farms outside Bogota and selling them to the newly created middle class of Colombia.

DATA SNAP: Mexico April Industrial Output Up 3.6% On Year

MEXICO CITY -(Dow Jones)- Mexican industrial output maintained a healthy rate of growth in April, expanding 3.6% from a year earlier with gains in manufacturing and construction offset slightly by lower oil production, the National Statistics Institute, or Inegi, said Monday.

Brazil Signals at Least One More Parsimonious Key Rate Cut

Brazil’s central bank signaled it will reduce its benchmark interest rate for an eighth straight time in July after saying the economy is recovering at a “very gradual pace.”

Use the global sell off to load up on Latin America

Fitch Ratings recently reported on growth sustainability in Latin America in the face of deepening problems in the euro zone.

Mexico accounting regulator says no fraud at Pemex

(Reuters) - Mexican authorities said on Wednesday that state oil monopoly Pemex had not hidden losses of $30 billion, quashing accusations from opposition lawmakers in the run up to a presidential election in which overhauling the firm is set to be a key issue.

Brazil's BNDES Cuts Interest Rates For Micro, Small Businesses

RIO DE JANEIRO--Brazil's economy is solid and has the capability to grow in the long term, the president of the country's National Development Bank said Tuesday as he announced interest-rate reductions on credit lines for micro, small, medium and large businesses.

Mea culpa, economy boost Chile Pinera's approval: poll

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Embattled Chilean president Sebastian Pinera's approval rating bounced from a record low to 33 percent in May, a poll showed on Monday, boosted by a solid economy and a breather in social protests, though some see a brief respite unlikely to affect governance.

Argentina's Deputy Economy Minister Denies Government Will Abolish Dollar Use

BUENOS AIRES – Argentina's Deputy Economy Minister Axel Kicillof on Friday lashed out at a report that his economic team is drafting legislation to abolish the use of foreign currencies in the economy as double-digit inflation spurs Argentines to seek the perceived safety of the U.S. dollar.

Analysis: the Chilean economy in 2012

The Chilean economy has long been the model for Latin America and maintains the region's highest credit ratings with Aa3 from Moody's and A+ from Standard & Poor's and Fitch.

Brazil Flexes Strong Arm to Reverse Slowdown

BRASILIA—Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega vowed that a weaker currency, more government-backed lending and other stimulus measures will reactivate the once high-flying South American economy, whose recent stagnation has prompted some economists to predict an era of modest growth.

Another Way Into Latin America

It’s not easy being invested in equities these days. Especially higher beta region like Latin America. The market is not really rewarding the region for its solid government finances and ever-expanding consumer base.

The Greek crisis: a cautionary tale from Argentina

Policymakers in Europe seem to be surprised at the ongoing bank run in Greece (and the nascent run in Spain). They should not be.

Spanish oil company Repsol to stop drilling in Cuba

Spanish company Repsol has said it is pulling out of Cuba after failing in a recent attempt to find oil off the island. Chairman Antonio Brufau told journalists and investors that Repsol "won't do another" well in Cuba.

Mexico Oil Hedging Costs Rose 44 Percent Last Year

Mexico, the third-largest supplier of oil to the U.S., paid $1.17 billion last year to lock in prices for 2012 exports at $85 a barrel, a 44 percent increase compared to hedging costs paid the previous year.

EU refers Argentina's import restrictions to the WTO

The European Union has filed a suit against Argentina's import restrictions at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Mexico's PRI eyes jump-start to reforms if victorious-aide

(Reuters) - Mexico's main opposition faction hopes to secure support for energy, fiscal and labor market reforms by December if its candidate who is well ahead in the polls wins the presidency, a senior official in the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) said on Wednesday.

Brazil stocks fall 3% as Greece fears accelerate

LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) — Brazilian stocks tumbled Wednesday, part of a global selloff in equities on heightened fears that an exit from the euro zone by Greece will result in costly damage for the key export region.

Mexico Peso Rises for Second Day as China Comment Supports Risk

Mexico’s peso rose after China’s government said it will focus on bolstering growth, fueling confidence in global expansion after the Latin American’s country’s policy makers boosted their economic forecasts.

Repsol: Exploratory oil well off Cuba comes up dry

HAVANA (AP) — An exploratory oil well off the northern coast of Cuba has proved a failure and will be capped and abandoned, Spanish company Repsol said Friday, a disappointment for a cash-strapped nation hoping for an economic lifeline.

Mexico's Ortiz says Greece exit could be worse than Lehman

(Reuters) - If Greece leaves the euro zone it could detonate a global financial crisis even worse than the 2008 credit crunch, dry up global trade financing and spur another U.S. recession, former Mexican central bank governor Guillermo Ortiz said on Friday.

Brazil 2012 Growth Recovering After Weak Start, Mantega Says

Brazil’s Finance Minister Guido Mantega said growth in the world’s sixth biggest economy is picking up after a “weak” first quarter, reducing the need for additional stimulus measures.

Chile Keeps Rate on Hold as Economy Resists Europe Contagion

Chile’s central bank kept its key interest rate unchanged for a fourth consecutive month as surging domestic demand and a deterioration in the global economy leave little scope to change monetary policy.

Venezuela: Economy grew 5.6 at start of 2012

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela's economy grew 5.6 percent during the first three months of the year, continuing expansion that began at the end of 2010, the country's planning minister said Thursday.

Cuba drags feet on foreign investment

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba's reform plans to attract more overseas investment are off to a slow start as the government focuses more on regulating existing foreign joint ventures than encouraging new ones, businessmen and diplomats say.

Brazil's Central Bank Sees Interest Rate Cycle Moving Lower-Report

SAO PAULO – Brazil's central bank believes the entire cycle of interest rates can be brought lower because of a unique combination of domestic and global effects, the head of the institution said in an interview published in Sunday's edition of the O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper.

Argentina's renationalization of YPF: A push to manage oil on its own terms

As glitter rained down over 100,000 screaming fans in a Buenos Aires soccer stadium late last month, President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner trumpeted her government's takeover of Argentina's biggest oil company, YPF.

Eike Batista to Invest in Brazilian Music Festival

Eike Batista, the Brazilian billionaire who made a fortune in the oil, gas and mining industries, is making a move into the music business.

Ecuador Banks’ $1 Billion Fire Sale Cuts Assets’ Value

Ecuador’s push for banks to sell non- core businesses is creating a $1 billion asset glut as the nation’s biggest financial firms struggle to find buyers before a July deadline.

Brazil's secret fiscal weapon: the tax "lion"

BRASILIA (Reuters) - In Brazil, groups of armed agents fly around the country by helicopter, pounding on doors and instilling fear in the hearts of those who break the law.

Maybe you should ditch the Mexico ETF for just two of its stocks

Mexico's economy is growing at an estimated rate of 4.6% a year -- faster than just about any other Latin market you'll find a specialized ETF for.

Brazil Borrowing Costs To Decline Ahead - Deputy Finance Minister

BRASILIA -(Dow Jones)- Borrowing costs in Brazil will decline naturally in coming periods in the wake of recent government moves to lower interest rates in the country, Deputy Finance Minister Nelson Barbosa said Friday.

Mexico's Slim agrees to cut phone costs to skip fine

(Reuters) - Mexico's competition watchdog has ordered Carlos Slim to cut charges he levies on mobile phone competitors in exchange for dropping a record fine, exacting a small concession from the country's dominant telecoms mogul.

Why Colombia ETFs May Continue to Rise

Colombia, a country once known for its political instability, guerilla wars, high crime rate and drug trafficking has now turned into an investor hotspot in Latin America.

Bolivia Following Argentine Takeover Deepens Regional Divide

President Evo Morales’s seizure of Bolivia’s main electricity company, two weeks after Argentina took over its biggest oil producer, is reinforcing the divide between Latin American leaders that support private investment and those seeking more state control of their economies.

Brazil's gas find heralds a 'golden age'

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 1 (UPI) -- Brazil says natural gas finds on land herald a golden age of the energy resource and will likely reduce dependence on gas imports from Bolivia.

Analysis: Latin American trade barriers seen backfiring

PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico (Reuters) - Import restrictions imposed by Argentina and Brazil may end up harming the very domestic industries they are trying to protect and also could affect other economies in Latin America.

Argentina: YPF vows to continue gas supplies

Argentina’s biggest oil firm, YPF, has pledged to keep providing gas supplies to local customers, as the dispute over its forced nationalization continues.

Brazil's Congress approves changes to enviro law

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Brazil's lower house of Congress on Wednesday approved a bill that weakens the nation's benchmark environmental law protecting the Amazon and other areas, a move that some fear will lead to a spike in deforestation.

Colombia Proves Latin America’s Best Equities Since 2002

Colombia (IGBC), Latin America’s murder capital when Pablo Escobar ran the Medellin drug cartel in the 1980s, produced the region’s best risk-adjusted stock returns over the past decade as improved security bolstered economic growth and foreign investment.

Standard & Poor's puts Argentina on 'negative watch' over YPF nationalisation plan

Standard & Poor's has put a "negative watch" on Argentina's credit rating, citing "rising restrictions to international trade" and "steps to nationalise oil company YPF" as reasons for the move.

Cuba plans massive shift to "non-state" sector

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba will move nearly 50 percent of the state's economic activity to the "non-state" sector, a senior Communist party official said at the weekend, the latest signal the island is headed toward a mixed economy.

Argentina's Economy Probably Grew 4.5% In February

BUENOS AIRES -(Dow Jones)- Argentina's national statistics agency, Indec, is expected to report a moderation in economic activity in February, owing to a downturn in construction and industrial output.

Chile Finance Minister: 2012 GDP Growth Over 4% Would Be Good For Economy

NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Any economic growth over 4% in 2012 would be "very good" for Chile considering the deterioration in the global economy, the country's finance minister said Wednesday.

Asian investment boom seen in Latin America

PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico (AP) — Selling soybeans, iron and copper ore and other commodities to Asian countries has transformed Latin America over the past decade, stabilizing economies despite worldwide crises and lifting tens of millions of people into the middle class. Now, say officials from both Asia and Latin America, a second gold rush is under way.

Brazil Signals Rate May Fall to Record on Global Fragility

Brazil signaled it may cut its benchmark interest rate to a record low as a still “fragile” global economy eases inflationary pressures in the world’s sixth-biggest economy.

Argentina's Oil Grab Draws Fire

Madrid threatened to retaliate as soon as this week in response to Argentina's proposed seizure of a prized unit of Spain's flagship oil company, as Argentina's nationalization drive drew international rebuke and threatened to drive the relationship between Spain and its former colony to its lowest level in decades.

IMF Sees Latin America, Caribbean GDP Growth At 3.7% In 2012

MEXICO CITY -(Dow Jones)- The International Monetary Fund said Tuesday that prospects for Latin America and the Caribbean remain promising, with economic growth expected to pick up pace in 2013 after a slight slowdown in 2012.

Argentina to expropriate Repsol oil subsidiary YPF

The Argentine government will seize a controlling interest in oil company YPF owned by Spanish firm Repsol.

In Colombia, Obama seeks to focus on US economy

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Putting an election year spin on his international agenda, President Barack Obama on Friday cast Latin America's rapid rise as a business opportunity for the U.S. economy.

Mexico's President Calderon in Cuba for talks

HAVANA (AP) — Mexican President Felipe Calderon was sitting down with Cuba's Raul Castro on Wednesday to strengthen economic cooperation and further repair a relationship that has been strained during more than a decade of center-right rule in Mexico.

Argentine graft probe dims Boudou's election glow

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - The election night celebrations must seem a distant memory for Argentina's vice president, Amado Boudou, as he faces intense scrutiny over an influence-peddling investigation just four months after taking office.

Brazil's Rousseff tells Obama of 'currency war' worries

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on Monday expressed concern to President Barack Obama that the easy money policies of developed countries threaten the growth of emerging economies like Brazil.

Mexican plan for Gulf deepwater wells sparks new worries

MEXICO CITY _ Two years after the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, Mexico's state oil company is about to test its hand at drilling at extraordinary depths in the Gulf of Mexico.

U.S. backs Argentine stance on defaulted debt ruling

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - The U.S. government has backed Argentina in the latest legal battle over a 2002 default, arguing the nation should not have to pay "holdout" creditors when servicing debt held by investors who accepted a harsh restructuring, court documents show.

Brazil's Economy To Grow 3.5% In 2012, 5.1% In 2013 -Itau Unibanco

AO PAULO – Brazil's economy will expand at a faster pace in 2012 than the disappointing 2.7% expansion registered in 2011, primarily because of interest rate cuts and fiscal measures aimed at fueling activity in Latin America's largest economy, said Itau Unibanco chief economist Ilan Goldfajn.

Robert Zoellick calls for Brics bank

Robert Zoellick said the World Bank would support a Brics bank, an idea formally proposed at a summit in New Delhi last week.

Falklands row could hit UK's South American ambitions

LONDON (Reuters) - Thirty years after Britain and Argentina went to war over the Falklands, relations are at their chilliest in years as Buenos Aires launches a multi-pronged diplomatic offensive to assert its claim to sovereignty over the South Atlantic islands.

Peru CPI Quickens to Eight-Month High on Food, School Fees

Peruvian consumer prices rose in March at the fastest pace in eight months on increases in the cost of food, fuel and schooling.

America Movil to Benefit as Brazil Predicts Jump in Pay-TV Homes

Phone companies America Movil (AMXL) SAB, Telefonica SA and Oi SA (BRTO4) will see growth opportunities in Brazilian pay TV, as regulators predict a more-than threefold percentage increase in homes paying for service in 10 years.

U.S., EU blast Argentina's trade restrictions at WTO

(Reuters) - Argentina came under a barrage of criticism at the World Trade Organization on Friday, where the United States, European Union, Japan and 10 other countries accused it of tying up imports in red tape.

Brazil Real Heads for Worst Month Since November on Intervention

Brazil’s real headed for its biggest monthly loss since November as government measures to curb the currency’s appreciation and concern the global recovery will falter sapped demand for Brazilian assets.

Brics summit of emerging nations to explore bank plan

The main emerging economies have met in the Indian capital, Delhi, to look at ways of strengthening their position against Europe and the United States.Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa (the Brics group) are proposing an alternative to the World Bank.

Benchmark IPC Equity Index Climbs to Record: Mexico City Mover

Mexico’s benchmark IPC stock index climbed to a record as a pickup in the U.S. economy buoyed optimism in the outlook for its southern neighbor.

SURVEY: Argentina's 4Q GDP Likely Expanded 7.0% On Year

BUENOS AIRES -(Dow Jones)- Argentina's economy probably cooled in the fourth quarter from the breakneck pace of expansion observed in previous quarters owing to a slowdown in manufacturing and worsening consumer sentiment.

Brazil’s Economy Slowing Less Than Expected on Strong Demand

Brazil’s economy slowed less than analysts expected in January as demand for goods and services helped offset a contraction in industrial production.

Colombia Keeps 5.25% Rate to Gauge Effect of Nine Increases

Colombia’s central bank kept borrowing costs unchanged as it seeks to gauge whether nine interest rate increases in 13 months will be enough to prevent the fastest growth since 2007 from stoking inflation.

Brazil Unemployment Rate Edged Higher in February

RIO DE JANEIRO—Brazil's unemployment rate rose for a second straight month in February as companies continued to dismiss workers they had hired for the busy year-end holiday season, although the still-tight labor market pushed salaries to a record high.

Brazil To Attract Capital Over 8 Years, But Currency Stable -Itau

SAO PAULO -(Dow Jones)- Brazil will attract more private-sector investments over the next eight years, compensating in part for lack of domestic savings, but there's unlikely to be a major appreciation of the Brazilian currency, according to economists at Brazil's Itau Unibanco Holdings SA (ITUB, ITUB4.BR).

Chile's GDP Expanded 6% in 2011

SANTIAGO, Chile—Chile's economy grew at a robust pace last year, picking up speed in the fourth quarter on resilient domestic demand, the central bank reported Monday.

China and IDB to launch $1bn fund for Latin America

China and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have announced plans for a $1bn (£630m) fund for Latin American markets.

Analysis: Nimble neighbors outshine Brazil on growth

MONTEVIDEO (Reuters) - Swift growth by nimble Latin American countries like Chile, Colombia and Peru has put renewed focus on regional heavyweight Brazil, whose relatively closed, high-tax economy is now sputtering below its potential.

Latin American Nations in Worse Shape for Crisis, IDB Says

Most Latin American nations, in the event of another global crisis, are in worse shape to implement stimulus than in 2007 as a result of lower budget surpluses before interest payments, the Inter-American Development Bank said.

Argentina, Brazil back Cuba's inclusion in future summits

BRASILIA, Brazil, March 15 (UPI) -- Cuba will be barred from next month's Summit of the Americas at U.S. insistence but Havana's friends Argentina and Brazil are vowing with new resolve to have Havana leaders present at subsequent conferences.

Brazil, Mexico fail to bridge gap on auto dispute

MEXICO CITY, March 14 (Reuters) - Brazil and Mexico failed to break a deadlock on talks to save a decade-old auto trade deal on Wednesday, with no sign of Brazil backing down on its demand Mexico curb auto exports to Latin America's biggest economy.

Peru Sees Slower Spending By Mining Firms This Year

LIMA – Peru's government expects mining companies to invest only slightly more this year than last year as protests from local communities force many firms to put planned spending projects on the back burner. But it also sees the pace of growth in mining investments recovering strongly in 2013, as authorities resolve community opposition to various projects.

Brazil-ethanol-slows

Brazil is struggling to make enough ethanol to satisfy domestic demand just as the U.S. scraps restrictions on imports for the first time since 1980.

Fernandez numbers hurt by slowing Argentine economy

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentine leader Cristina Fernandez's popularity fell to a 13-month low of 42.1 percent in a poll released on Sunday, as people in the grains-exporting country start to feel the pinch of the contracting global economy.

Brazil’s February Consumer Prices Rise 0.45% From Previous Month

Brazil’s consumer prices in February rose at the slowest pace in four months on falling transportation and clothing costs, supporting the central bank’s decision to accelerate the pace of interest-rate cuts.

Chile ETFs Boosted by Rising Copper Prices

Chile is one emerging economy of Latin America that has great growth potential and can offer investors a play on the commodity market. The iShares MSCI Chile (NYSEArca: ECH) tracks the world’s largest producer of copper and also gives some mining exposure.

AB InBev Fourth-Quarter Profit Beats Estimates

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV (ABI), the world’s biggest brewer, reported fourth-quarter earnings that beat analysts’ estimates aided by an improvement in sales of its flagship Budweiser brand.

Brazil 'overtakes UK's economy'

Brazil has become the sixth-biggest economy in the world, the country's finance minister has said.

Biden visits Mexico and Honduras amid drug debate

US Vice-President Joe Biden is visiting Mexico and Honduras amid calls by regional leaders for a new debate on decriminalising drug use.

Fox pushes bridge building

There's gold for American and Mexican companies doing business on both sides of the border - with enough left over for charity.

Brazil's Currency At 1.70 Will Always Mean Intervention

Anyone who follows Brazil closely should know by now that whenever the Brazilian real hits 1.70 to the dollar, alarm bells go off in the Finance Ministry.

Argentina urges fewer British imports in Falklands row

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina's industry minister urged company executives on Tuesday to stop importing British goods, a ministry source said, further straining ties as the 30th anniversary of the Falklands war approaches.

Drug Crackdown Fuels Guatemala Bond Rally as Ex-General’s Taxes Fund Fight

Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina is sparking a bond rally by pledging to tame drug violence that has pushed the murder rate up 60 percent in the past decade and cut into economic growth.

Brazil Heads For Moderate Rate Cuts, Strong Real -Economist

SAO PAULO -(Dow Jones)- Interest rate cuts by the Brazilian Central Bank will be more moderate than analysts are currently predicting, underpinning continued strength for Brazil's currency, the real, according to economist and former finance ministry official Bernard Appy.

Brazil wants more IMF power for extra eurozone funds

Brazil has said that developing nations would be happy to provide more money to ease the eurozone's debt crisis, in return for more power within the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Ranbaxy laboratories may hand over Latin American operations to Daiichi Sankyo

NEW DELHI: Ranbaxy Laboratories may hand over its Latin American marketing operations to parent Daiichi Sankyo, a move analysts said could be a precursor to the Indian drugmaker's exit from some countries in the region.

US and Mexico agree Gulf of Mexico oil cooperation

The US and Mexico have agreed to work together to develop deep-water oil and gas fields that straddle their maritime border in the Gulf of Mexico.

Analysis: Brazil investment trends show consumer clout

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Slow profit growth is prompting Brazilian commodities companies to slash capital spending plans, making growth in Latin America's largest economy even more dependent on consumer spending.

Peru, Latin America's hidden growth story

LIMA, Peru — First, the hammer blows ring out across the neighborhood. Then the cement mixer begins its deafening rumble. It is 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning.

In Latin America, Chinese cars are gaining buyers

LIMA, Peru - At first, Lima taxi driver Mario Segura was disgusted by the thought of buying a Chinese-made car. He had doubts about the vehicles' durability, service and resale value.

Cuba economy: Tax lessons as private sector grows

It is a process that fills many in the capitalist world with dread every year.

Argentina Economic Activity Slows Further In December

BUENOS AIRES -(Dow Jones)- Argentina's economic activity cooled sharply in December, the national statistics agency, Indec, said Friday.

Mexican ambassador Sarukhan visits Valley

Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan's visit to Fresno on Thursday -- a first by Mexico's top representative in the U.S. -- underscored the robust relationship between Mexico and the Valley and highlighted concerns about protecting the region's agriculture industry from anti-immigrant legislation.

Brazil seeks more access to China to balance trade

Brazil has asked China to allow more of its manufactured goods in to the Chinese market as it seeks to tap into the country's growing economy.

The Impact of the Gloomier Global Outlook on Latin America

The IMF has sharply marked down its forecast for world growth and it now expects a mild recession in the euro area. Naturally, weaker world growth will affect economic activity in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Brazil, Lowering Expectations

Economists in Brazil are starting to lower their expectations for a turnaround in 2013. If 2011 was bad, and 2012 is supposed to be flat, why are 2013 growth forecasts being revised downward?

Venezuela Bonds Gain as Chavez Challenger Scores Landslide Primary Victory

Venezuelan bonds rallied after opposition candidate Henrique Capriles Radonski scored more than 60 percent of the vote in a nationwide primary, a landslide win that analysts said could strengthen his bid to unseat President Hugo Chavez in October elections.

Brazil embraces the microbrew

Brazilians love their beer and prefer it estupidamente gelada (stupidly cold). Beer is for sale everywhere in Brazil, from beach kiosks to fancy restaurants to street-corner coolers, and is frequently enjoyed well before 5 o’clock.

Itau to spend $6.81 billion to take Redecard private

(Reuters) - Itau Unibanco (ITUB4.SA) (ITUB.N), Brazil's largest private-sector lender, plans to spend as much as 11.77 billion reais ($6.81 billion) to buy out Redecard (RDCD3.SA), protecting the card payment processor's position in an increasingly competitive industry.

Argentina risks Brazil ties in import curb

BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Argentina is putting its partnerships with Brazil and other Latin American neighbors on the line in its bid to cut imports in response to a trade downturn.

Latin currencies strong, but there’s a downside

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Latin American currencies are on fire across the region. The Colombian peso, the Mexican peso and the Brazilian real are some of the strongest global currencies against the U.S. dollar this year.

Brazil privatises three airports, including Sao Paulo's

The Brazilian government has privatised three airports, including the country's largest in Sao Paulo, in sales valued at 24.5bn reais ($14bn; £8.9bn).

Chile Bank Borrowing Data Signal Credit Crunch Was Overreaction to Europe

Chilean banks borrowed 19 times more pesos than U.S. dollars from authorities in December, indicating that a surge in bank funding costs was more local than external.

Dow Chemical posts 4Q loss on charge

NEW YORK (AP) — Dow Chemical Co. is feeling the impact of the slowing European economy, and seeing some weakness in North America as well.

Mexican frontrunner favors local investors in telecom

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The favorite to win Mexico's presidential election this July said on Wednesday the country must favor local investors over foreign competitors in strategic sectors of the economy, including telecommunications.

Petrobras to Sell $7 Billion of Bonds in Biggest Brazil Deal

Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PETR4), Brazil’s state-controlled oil producer, plans to sell $7 billion of dollar bonds as soon as today in the country’s biggest corporate debt offering ever.

Coca-Cola to Invest $1 Billion This Year in Mexico

Coca-Cola Co. plans to invest more than $1 billion this year in Mexico, an important market for the soft-drink maker, as part of a $5 billion, five-year investment plan.

Brazil stocks fall as European worries ramp up

LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) — Stocks across key Latin American markets fell Monday, hurt by a worsening outlook for any resolution to Europe’s long-running debt crisis.

Brazilian Businessmen Are The Third Most Optimistic in The World.

According to the International Business Report (IBR) 2012 Grant Thornton International, 74% of Brazilian businessmen are optimistic about the Brazilian economy in 2012.

Brazil’s Central Bank Signals it Will Lower Interest Rates to Below 10%

Brazil’s central bank said there is a “high” chance its benchmark rate will drop below 10 percent, signaling it remains focused on spurring economic growth even as record-low unemployment pressures consumer prices. Yields on interest rate futures plunged.

Rousseff to visit Cuba, focus on post-embargo era

(Reuters) - Some forty years ago, Dilma Rousseff was a guerrilla fighter working clandestinely to bring a version of Cuban leader Fidel Castro's communist revolution to Brazil.

Latin America Currencies Gain From Euro Woes: Chart of the Day

Latin American currencies are beating their high-yielding European peers as improving U.S. economic data benefits assets with links to the world’s largest economy and sheltered from the euro-region debt crisis.

Bolivia signs anti-drug deal with US and Brazil

Bolivia has signed an agreement with the US and Brazil to help reduce the production of illegal cocaine.

Obama now outsourcing US jobs to Brazil along with oil production

On January 19th, President Obama rejected plans to allow a Canadian pipeline to be built from the neighboring country to Texas to faciliatate oil production.

Mexican leftist plans change on "monopolies", mining

(Reuters) - Leftist presidential hopeful Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has pledged to break up Mexico's "monopolies" and press foreign mining firms for higher taxes and better wages if elected on July 1.

Colombia Record Corporate Debt Sales Extending to Barclays on GDP Growth

Colombia’s quickening economic growth is a signal to Barclays Capital Inc. and BCP Securities LLC that last year’s record corporate bond offerings will extend into 2012 as companies seek to finance expansion plans.

HBO Latin America adds 101 jobs in Coral Gables

HBO Latin America is growing its Miami-Dade County presence, expecting to add 101 jobs over the next two years and soon to relocate to a new headquarters in double its current space.

Big prizes, barriers in Brazil's luxury market

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) -- Brazil has been long dismissed as the land of skimpy bikinis and rubber flip flops. But with its galloping economy and hordes of newly minted millionaires, the South American giant is the fashion and luxury industry's newest darling.

Brazil’s Economic Activity Returns to Growth After Three-Month Contraction

Brazil’s economy grew at its fastest pace in 19 months in November, reversing a three-month contraction, as a recovery in consumer spending helped the world’s second-largest emerging market shrug off a global slowdown. Yields on interest rate futures rose.

Latin America unemployment lowest in two decades

LIMA, Peru — Latin America and the Caribbean have confirmed their reputation as being well-positioned to weather the global recession with the news that urban unemployment in the region fell during 2011 to its lowest level since records began.

Chavez: Venezuela to close consulate in Miami

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says his government plans to close its consulate in Miami after the U.S. government expelled a diplomat.

Analysis: In Latin America, business climate is king again

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Here's an economic riddle of sorts: Which economy grew faster over the last seven years? A) President Hugo Chavez's Venezuela, famous for its forced nationalizations and "21st century socialism," or B) Chile, long renowned as a capitalist paradise for investors.

La Polar’s $1 Billion Fraud Fading as Chilean Rival Ripley Posts Rebound

Ripley Corp SA (RIPLEY), Chile’s third- largest department-store chain, is rebounding as investors seize on record-low valuations and concern fades that a credit fraud at rival Empresas La Polar SA (LAPOLAR) will erode the industry’s profits.

Mexico’s Obrador Woos Business With Lula-Style Makeover to Close Voter Gap

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was opposed by Mexico’s business community in 2006 when he lost the presidential election by less than a percentage point. He’s trying to claw his way back into contention in this year’s race by wooing his old critics.

Ahmadinejad Woos Chavez-Led Allies in Latin America Tour

Jan. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, facing tighter U.S. sanctions and rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, will turn to his diminished group of allies in Latin America for support this week.

Pay Jumps 25% for Brazilian Investment Bankers Ready to Defect to Rivals

Brazilian investment bankers defecting to competitors won pay increases of as much as 25 percent in 2011 amid a shortage of experienced executives in Latin America’s largest economy.

Templeton’s Mobius Buying Argentine Frontier Stocks at Cheapest Since 2009

Mark Mobius, who manages $45 billion at Templeton Emerging Markets Group, is buying Argentine stocks that are trading at their cheapest levels in almost three years.

Giant Vale ship completes maiden journey to China

(Reuters) - The first of Vale's (VALE5.SA) giant dry bulk vessels to arrive in China has completed delivery of its iron ore cargo, shipping data showed on Tuesday, a key step forward in the Brazilian miner's plan to cut shipping costs to its biggest market.

Protests resume against Peru gold mining project

Demonstrators in Peru resumed their protests on Monday against plans to develop a $4.8 billion gold mine, saying they fear the mine will harm their water supplies.

Brazil Economists Cut 2012 CPI Forecast for Fifth Week on Slower Growth

Economists covering Brazil cut their forecasts for 2012 inflation for a fifth straight week as growth slows in Latin America’s biggest economy.

Chile: Latin America’s model economy looks for a rebound (CCU, BCH)

Chile has long been the economic model for Latin America and maintains the highest credit ratings with Aa3 from Moody's and A+ from Standard & Poor's and Fitch. Despite a strong economy, the equity market suffered one of the largest losses in the region, with a 24% loss since January. What will 2012 bring?