Brazil to raise rates for longer as inflation drifts higher: Reuters poll

(Reuters) - Brazil will probably keep raising interest rates at least through May as inflation threatens to breach the central bank's target during the upcoming presidential election campaign, a Reuters poll showed on Friday.

Brazil and Argentina ink deal to bolster dwindling trade

(Reuters) - Brazil and Argentina signed a deal on Friday that seeks to guarantee importers will have enough U.S. dollars to pay for exports, a move to increase trade between both nations that has been hit hard by a sharp depreciation of the Argentinean peso.

Latin America likely to embark on needed reforms: IADB

COSTA DO SAUIPE, Brazil (Reuters) - The volatility in global markets buffeting emerging economies could push Latin American nations to move ahead with deep reforms needed to restore their dynamism, the head of Inter-American Development Bank, Luis Alberto Moreno, said on Friday.

Peru eyes trimming environmental red tape to free up investments -minister

(Reuters) - Peru's new energy and mines minister said the government is working on a package of reforms to speed up permitting for investments, including exempting some oil exploration projects from environmental impact studies.

Chile's New Foreign Policy: Leaving Pacific Waters?

Chile’s new government is shifting the focus of foreign policy. After three years in which the Andean country favored an alliance with peers facing the Pacific —Peru, Colombia and Mexico— it’s now looking towards the Atlantic seaboard nations of Argentina and Brazil.

Brazil’s Credit Rating Cut to BBB- by S&P on Sluggish Growth

Brazil’s credit rating was cut by Standard & Poor’s, which said sluggish economic growth and an expansionary fiscal policy are fueling an increase in the country’s debt levels.

Mexico early-March prices rise 0.17 pct

MEXICO CITY, March 24 (Reuters) - Mexican annual inflation in early March cooled more than expected to below the central bank's upper limit, backing bets that policymakers will leave interest rates on hold this year.

Brazil's president holds wide lead ahead of re-election bid: poll

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is holding on to her wide lead over potential rivals and would win a second term outright in the October 5 general election, according to a poll published on Thursday.

Latin America Facing Period Of Weaker Currencies:IMF

Latin American nations are looking ahead at a period of weaker regional currencies, while the widespread growth model based on commodities exports is nearing a "plateau", an International Monetary Fund official said on Wednesday.

Mexico central bank holds interest rates, eyes weak growth

MEXICO CITY, March 21 (Reuters) - Mexico's central bank kept interest rates on hold on Friday, pointing to slack in the economy while noting that a recent spike in inflation had eased and was unlikely to spur wider price pressures.

Colombia economy grows 4.3 percent in 2013, beats expectations

(Reuters) - Colombia's economy grew 4.3 percent in 2013, the national statistics agency said on Thursday, beating the market expectation of 4.1 percent and reflecting momentum driven by nearly a year of low interest rates.

Brazil central bank pledges to limit food inflation jump

BRASILIA, March 18 (Reuters) - Brazil's central bank should act to limit the effects of a recent increase in food prices, central bank chief Alexandre Tombini said on Tuesday, signaling that policymakers may keep raising interest rates to battle inflation.

Chile’s Economy Contracts as Investment Boom in Mining Fades

Chile´s economy surprised analysts by contracting in the fourth quarter as investment in the mining industry declined.

Slim’s Inbursa to Mirror Mexico Model in Brazil With Acquisition

Billionaire Carlos Slim is using a $45 million acquisition to participate more formally in Brazil’s financial market, betting it’s the best way to replicate his Mexican bank’s business model in Latin America’s largest economy, his son said.

Brazil economic activity index rebounds in January

BRASILIA, March 14 (Reuters) - Economic activity in Brazil grew more than expected in January as strong retail sales offset most of the prior month's sharp downturn, the central bank said on Friday.

Peru Keeps 4% Key Rate After Measures to Boost Investment

Peru kept borrowing costs unchanged on expectations inflation will ease from a 20-month high while lower reserve requirements spur growth.

Mexico industry output rises at fastest pace in nearly a year

MEXICO CITY, March 13 (Reuters) - Mexican industrial production rebounded more than expected in January, rising the most in nearly a year pointing to a strengthening recovery in Latin America's no. 2 economy.

Chile central bank cuts rates, hints more reductions possible

SANTIAGO, March 13 (Reuters) - Chile's central bank cut its key interest rate on Thursday to boost economic growth, and suggested more reductions could be in the pipeline if domestic and external macroeconomic conditions merit it.

Venezuela inches toward new forex platform

(Reuters) - Venezuela unveiled currency regulations on Tuesday to help usher in a new foreign exchange platform to combat black market trading, promising the much-delayed system would start in coming days.

Brazil Real Rises Most in Emerging Markets on Petrobras Offering

Brazil’s real gained the most in emerging markets after Petroleo Brasileiro SA sold $8.5 billion in dollar bonds, buoying investment flow prospects.

Brazil Economists Lower Selic Forecast for Second Straight Week

Brazil economists cut their 2014 key interest rate forecast for the second straight week, as 350 basis points in borrowing cost increases since last year threaten to undermine growth.

Argentine price controls reduce biodiesel used in local fuel mix -trade group

BUENOS AIRES, March 10 (Reuters) - The Argentine government has set the price of biodiesel so high that producers cannot afford to use the required amount of it in diesel fuel, the head of the country's biofuels trade group told Reuters on Monday.

In El Salvador, a glimmer of hope for a stronger economy

FORTUNE -- Twenty-one-year-old Cesar Canas flashes a winning smile as he pitches his latest business idea: a shrimp farm that recycles its liquids rather than drawing daily on El Salvador's limited water supply.

Mexico telco regulator to slap measures on market dominated by Slim

MEXICO CITY, March 6 (Reuters) - Mexico's telecoms regulator said on Thursday it would take steps to boost competition in a market dominated by billionaire Carlos Slim's phone giant America Movil, exercising far-reaching new powers it was granted by the government last year.

Brazil posts second straight trade deficit in February

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 6 (Reuters) - Brazil recorded its largest February trade deficit ever, deepening a trade gap this year that underscores the uncompetitiveness of local industry and a voracious appetite for imports.

Chile's economic activity growth hits near four-year low

SANTIAGO, March 5 (Reuters) - Chile's monthly economic activity rose at its weakest pace in nearly four years in January, undershooting market estimates and adding to evidence that an ongoing slowdown in the top copper exporter could be more severe than expected.

Mexico driving to top of import list

CELAYA, Mexico – Mexico is on track to become the United States’ No. 1 source of imported cars by the end of next year, overtaking Japan and Canada in a manufacturing boom that’s turning the auto industry into a bigger source of dollars than money sent home by migrants.

Puerto Rico Deal No Reprieve From Record-Low Supply: Muni Credit

Puerto Rico is set to offer the biggest municipal-bond sale in almost two years. The planned $2.86 billion borrowing still won’t be enough to meet the demand of investors amid a historic slump in debt sales.

Argentina Plans Measures Against Businesses Raising Prices

BUENOS AIRES--Argentina's President Cristina Kirchner has pledged tougher measures against businesses that raise prices, as her administration tries to stabilize an economy suffering from double-digit inflation and hard currency shortages.

Brazil economy ends 2013 on an upbeat note, boosting Rousseff

SAO PAULO/BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's economy ended 2013 on a upbeat note thanks to strong consumer spending and investment, providing a much-needed boost to President Dilma Rousseff as she tries to rebuild her credibility with business leaders and win re-election in October.

Mexico Boosting China Ties Through Trade, Investment, Meade Says

Mexico wants to strengthen ties with China to take advantage of the nation’s growth after the world’s second-largest economy invested more in Central and South America in recent years, according to Mexico’s top diplomat.