Peru Sol Drops to Lowest Since 2011 as Bonds Fall on Fed Outlook

Peru’s sol slumped to its weakest level in more than a year as slowing economic growth and speculation that the Federal Reserve will reduce monetary stimulus sparked a selloff in the Andean nation’s bonds.

Analysis: Brazil investments have a long, potholed road ahead

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - If you think you're seeing light at the end of the tunnel for Brazil's economy, look again: it's just brake lights from a growing line of 18-wheelers.

Argentina Manufacturing Sector Posts Modest Expansion in April

BUENOS AIRES--Argentina's industrial production expanded at a modest pace in April, confirming that manufacturing continues to slowly recover from last year's downturn, according to a government report Friday.

Mexico may retaliate in meat-label row with U.S.

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Mexico may hit back with trade measures against the U.S. in reaction to a new rule requiring meat sold in the U.S. to carry labels specifying its origin, according to a media report.

Colombia, FARC rebels reach agreement on agrarian reform

HAVANA (Reuters) - Colombia and the Marxist-led FARC rebels have reached agreement on the critical issue of agrarian reform, the two sides said on Sunday in a major step forward for the peace process aimed at ending their long war.

Peru’s Economy Downshifts, but Still Has Plenty of Gas

The best performing of Latin America’s main economies in recent years is losing steam, but is very well prepared to keep chugging at a strong clip.

Brazil Consumer Confidence Index Drops in May -FGV

SAO PAULO--Brazil's main consumer confidence index dropped in May due to continued concerns with inflation pressures and signs of slowdown of the labor market, the private Vargas Getulio Foundation, or FGV, said Friday.

Mexico Peso Falls Amid Growing Concern Fed Will Taper Stimulus

Mexico’s peso fell for a third day on growing concern the Federal Reserve will taper a stimulus program that has boosted demand for emerging-market assets.

Brazil's Mantega: Spending to Boost Growth Doesn't Drive Inflation

Brazil's government is spending more to help the economy recover, but that spending isn't contributing to push up inflation, Finance Minister Guido Mantega said Wednesday.

Latin America's Second Biggest Economy Posts Slim Growth in Q1

MEXICO CITY -- Amid a drop in industrial activity, Mexico's economy grew 0.8% in the first quarter compared to a year earlier, official figures showed Friday.

Brazil approves law to modernize ports

SAO PAULO (AP) -- Brazil plans to modernize and expand its overcrowded ports, attract private investments to the sector and make it easier for companies to hire skilled foreign workers, in a bid to spur economic growth.

Colombian Industrial Production Contracts Most Since 2009

Colombian industrial output contracted more than twice as much as analysts had expected in March, led by a slump in vehicle sales. Industrial production shrank 11.5 percent in March from a year earlier, the national statistics agency said today in a report, the biggest drop since April 2009.

Mexico Peso Drops on Speculation Fed to Consider Easing Stimulus

Mexico’s peso fell for a sixth day in its longest losing streak since November as speculation the Federal Reserve will consider scaling back its record program of asset purchases reduced demand for emerging-market assets.

Venezuela's Maduro buries hatchet with billionaire businessman

CARACAS (Reuters) - Socialist leader Nicolas Maduro and the billionaire boss of Venezuela's biggest private company have buried the hatchet after a war of words over food shortages and other economic problems in the South American nation.

Petrobras announces record $11 billion bond issue

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian oil giant Petrobras announced an $11 billion bond issue on Tuesday, a record for an emerging country company.

Venezuela's Maduro gets firm Brazilian backing, trade

(Reuters) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro got strong backing from regional heavyweight Brazil on Thursday on a tour of South American allies to cement his legitimacy as political heir to the late Hugo Chavez.

Argentina faces very different debt default if loses legal fight

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - When Argentina defaulted on its debt in 2002, the economy was collapsing and a bloody popular revolt had helped topple two presidents in a week.

Despite winning top world trade job, even Brazil looks beyond WTO

(Reuters) - Brazil campaigned hard to get the top job at the World Trade Organization this week but behind closed doors even it acknowledges that the WTO's main mission - pushing forward in global trade talks - looks for the moment like a lost cause.

Argentina offers tax amnesty for undeclared cash

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Argentina's government announced new measures on Tuesday intended to suck up undeclared dollars in response to growing pressure to abruptly devalue the nation's currency.

Factbox: Key facts about Mexico's tax system

(Reuters) - Mexico's new government has promised a comprehensive review of its tax system, to be announced in the second half of 2013 along with an overhaul of energy policy.

Brazil's Azevedo wins race to head WTO

GENEVA (Reuters) - Brazil's Roberto Azevedo has won the race to become the next head of the World Trade Organization, the first candidate from the BRIC club of emerging economies to take the job.

State visits amplify Obama focus on Latin America

WASHINGTON (AP) — Keeping a keen eye south of the border, the Obama administration is intensifying its engagement with Latin America, hosting leaders from a pair of presidents at the White House and sending Vice President Joe Biden to visit two others.

Mexico Battles Brazil for Clout Via WTO Top Job as Economy Grows

Latin America’s two largest nations are vying for economic and diplomatic clout as their candidates face off as finalists to head the World Trade Organization.

Chile's Bachelet courts Communists for big reforms

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Communist and other leftists were considered enemies of the state during Chile's military dictatorship, a 17-year period that saw thousands of people killed and disappeared for their politics.

Barack Obama wraps up Latin trip with an eye back home

SAN JOSE: President Barack Obama, concluding a three-day visit to Mexico and Costa Rica, is cheering Mexican economic advances and pressing other Central American leaders to deal with poverty and security while reaching out to a politically powerful Latino audience back home.

Central America struggles to unite for Obama trip

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) -- President Barack Obama on Friday visits a Central America that continues to be plagued by violence, drug trafficking, corruption and poverty, despite the success of a decade-old trade agreement with the United States.

Brazil's Itau Bank Sees No Need to Tap Capital Market

Brazil's largest private-sector bank in terms of assets, Itau Unibanco (ITUB, ITUB4.BR), sees no need to tap capital markets in the next few years in order to meet strict new liquidity requirements under Basel III rules, one of the firm's top executives said Thursday.

Latin America no longer anyone’s ‘backyard’

With President Obama’s sixth trip to Latin America taking place this week from Thursday to Saturday, it is time to recognize that traditional measuring sticks for relations with our closest neighbors no longer work. Instead of asking what the United States is doing for the Americas, it is time to appreciate how the United States is leveraging ties to and working with the Americas to advance our interests.

Mexican Congress passes telecoms overhaul in swipe at Slim, rivals

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's Congress on Tuesday gave overwhelming final approval to an expansive overhaul of the telecommunications sector, which aims to boost competition in the industry and tame the likes of billionaire Carlos Slim and broadcaster Televisa.