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.