Mexico reverses foreign investment flows

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- After decades of depending on inflows of foreign capital to develop its economy, Mexico turned a corner and become a net exporter of direct investment capital in 2012, according to a report released Monday.

Brazil's January Unemployment Rises to 5.4% As Holidays End

RIO DE JANEIRO--Brazil's unemployment rate rose in January from December as companies let go of seasonal holiday workers, though joblessness remained near record lows.

Mexico's 2012 Current Account Deficit Equal to 0.8% of GDP

MEXICO CITY--Mexico registered a moderate current account deficit in 2012, as its first trade surplus in 15 years and transfers from Mexicans working abroad offset deficits in interest payments and services.

Latin America Is High-Profit Region for Global Firms -Survey

A majority of multinational companies say Latin America is their most profitable emerging-market region, which bodes well for future investment in countries such as Mexico, according to a survey by Frontier Strategy Group, a firm that works with senior business executives that target emerging markets.

Sizzling prices heat up wage talks in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - A stagnant economy and one of the world's highest inflation rates are making Argentina's annual wage talks thornier than ever this year just as President Cristina Fernandez turns her attention to mid-term elections.

Ecuador's Correa plans no sweeping reforms, wants investment

QUITO (Reuters) - Beaming after his re-election last weekend, Ecuador's President Rafael Correa said on Thursday he is not planning sweeping reforms and instead hopes to attract investors and diversify the economy from its dependence on oil exports.

Avon Offers Mexican Sales Reps Accident and Life Insurance

MEXICO CITY--Avon Products Inc. ( AVP ) said Tuesday it's offering its sales representatives in Mexico, one of its biggest markets, accident and life insurance via a program that it expects to spread to additional countries in Latin America and perhaps the world.

Brazil Central Bank Says Economy Grew 1.35% in 2012

SAO PAULO--Brazil's central bank Wednesday said the economy expanded at a slightly slower pace in December, rounding out a full year of meager economic growth.

Ecuador's Correa claims re-election victory

QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa claimed a re-election victory on Sunday that would allow him to strengthen state control over the OPEC nation's economy and gives a timely boost to Latin America's alliance of socialist leaders.

Mexico's Economy Likely Lost Some Steam in Fourth Quarter

MEXICO CITY--Mexico's economy likely lost some steam in the fourth quarter as the export-engine of Latin America's second-largest economy continued suffering from weak demand north of the border.

Brazil Swap Rates Surge on Mantega’s Pledge to Tackle Inflation

Brazil’s swap rates climbed as Finance Minister Guido Mantega said the government will do whatever it takes to fight inflation and signaled an interest rate increase is an option, boosting bets policy makers will raise borrowing costs to control price gains.

Currency fears spread in Latin America

Latin America is going Brazilian. Previously, it was only Brazil, the region’s biggest economy, that complained about the competitive devaluations generated by money-printing in the west, the so-called currency wars.

Venezuela devalues currency amid dollar shortage

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela's currency devaluation took effect on Wednesday amid questions about how the government can get a grip on 22-percent inflation and satisfy growing demand for dollars to pay for imported goods.

Brazil Ethanol Above Sugar Shows Mills May Favor Biofuel

Brazilian ethanol prices trading above raw sugar futures for the first time in almost two years are spurring speculation that millers will favor making the biofuel over the sweetener in the season starting in April.

Mexico ETF Boosted by Expanding Economy

Mexico is the new focus of the Latin American economies, as the banking industry is in a growth spurt. Investors could consider the exchange traded fund for diversified portfolios as the middle class expands and wages rise.

Venezuela sharply devalues its currency

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela's government announced Friday that it is devaluing the country's currency, a long-anticipated change expected to push up prices in the heavily import-reliant economy.

S&P Expects Latin America Growth to Pick Up in 2013

SAO PAULO--Economic growth in Latin America should be greater this year, led by Brazil, but measures taken to protect the region from crises are crimping growth, said Sebastian Briozzo, director of Latin America credit for Standard and Poor's Ratings Services.

Chile Unexpectedly Posts Jan. Trade Surplus as Exports Surge

Chile posted a $244 million trade surplus last month, surprising analysts who had forecast a deficit, as exports and imports surged.

Brazil's Government Prods Top Banks to Help Ignite Economy

Brazil's government wants the nation's top banks to help reignite a listless economy via a major expansion in lending, but concerns about high default rates persist.

Santander Mexico Grows As Mexican Economy Flourishes

Mexico is the new darling of Latin American investing. AndSantander Mexico ( BSMX ) has been enjoying the ride since spinning off from its Spanish parent and going public last Sept. 26.

Amid domestic change, Cubans march to the polls

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cubans went to the polls on Sunday to elect a Communist Party-selected slate of 612 deputies to the National Assembly at a time of change in how they live and work but not in how they vote.

Brazil Posted Record $4 Billion Trade Deficit in January

Brazil posted a record trade deficit in January, as monthly figures surged on the inclusion of oil imports made at the end of last year.

IMF hits Argentina with first-ever censure of a country

The International Monetary Fund has censured Argentina for failing to supply accurate economic data, the first time the global crisis lender has taken such an action against a member.

Chile Rejected Rate Change on Balanced Global, Domestic Risk

Chilean policy makers were unanimous in their decision to keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged last month on improved financial conditions abroad and higher wages and falling unemployment at home.

Brazil Real Trades Stronger Than 2 Per Dollar as Inflow Tax Cut

Brazil’s real traded stronger than 2 per dollar for a fourth day as the government cut a tax on foreign investment in real estate funds, prompting speculation inflows will sustain the currency’s rally.