Real Drops Amid Signs Brazil Faces Worst Recession in 25 Years

The real fell the most among major currencies as Brazil braced for its worst recession in 25 years after the central bank reported that the economy contracted more than forecast in April.

Chile and Peru Keep Rates at Their Lowest Level in Four Years

Chile and Peru kept borrowing costs unchanged as high inflation and currency pressure prevent their policy makers from doing more to support growth.

Brazilian Real Leads Global Gains on Outlook for Economic Team

Brazil’s real extended its weekly rally to the biggest since January 2012 on speculation that President Dilma Rousseff is close to nominating a team capable of reviving Latin America’s largest economy.

Chile Policy Makers Signal Rate Cut May Be Last in Current Cycle

Chilean policy makers signaled that yesterday’s benchmark interest rate cut may be the last in the current cycle following eight reductions in 13 months.

Chile's central bank cuts key rate, says easing helping economy

Chile's central bank cut its benchmark interest rate for the seventh time since October on Thursday, as forecast, continuing with its easing cycle to bolster a quickly decelerating economy.

Chile's economy posts weakest monthly growth in over four years

(Reuters) - Chile's economy grew at its slowest pace in more than four years in June, a below-forecast surprise that likely opens the door to more interest rate cuts.

Brazil's economy seen growing less than 1 pct in 2014 - survey

BRASILIA, July 21 (Reuters) - Brazil's economy will probably grow less than 1 percent this year, edging closer to a recession as weak confidence and higher interest rates hamper investments and industrial output, a weekly survey of economists showed on Monday.

Brazil Analysts Cut 2014 GDP Call Below 1% for First Time

Brazil economists cut their 2014 growth forecast for the eighth consecutive week, as low confidence and above-target inflation curb demand in the world’s second-largest emerging market.

Chile bank board split over June rate decision, points to future cut

SANTIAGO, June 27 (Reuters) - Chile's central bank board was divided about its decision to keep the key interest rate on hold at 4.0 percent at its June monetary policy meeting, with one of the five members voting for a cut, minutes of that meeting showed on Friday.

Mexico early June annual inflation rises to 3-month high

MEXICO CITY, June 24 (Reuters) - Mexican annual inflation rose in early June for the first time in five months but stayed within the central bank's tolerance zone, backing bets for steady interest rates ahead.

Mexico annual inflation rate ticks up in May

MEXICO CITY, June 9 (Reuters) - Mexico's annual inflation rate ticked up in May, coming in slightly faster than expected after a surprise move last week by the country's central bank to cut interest rates to boost a sluggish economy.

Chile annual inflation reaches 4.7 pct, well above bank range

SANTIAGO, June 6 (Reuters) - Inflation in Chile rose to 4.7 percent in May on an annualized basis, to more than a five-year high.

Brazil Analysts See Lower Key Rate and Economic Growth This Year

Brazil analysts cut their 2014 key rate and economic growth forecasts, after the country’s gross domestic product slowed in the first quarter on the biggest investment drop in two years.

Brazil Swap Rates Drop as April Inflation Slower Than Forecast

Brazilian swap rates fell for the first time in three days as a report indicated that annual inflation accelerated less than forecast in April.

Mexico annual inflation hits 6-month low in April

MEXICO CITY, May 8 (Reuters) - Mexican inflation cooled to a six-month low in April as electricity and fresh food prices eased, backing expectations for steady interest rates this year in Latin America's No. 2 economy.

Brazilian Real Climbs on Speculation Rousseff Support Declining

Brazil’s real rallied the most among major currencies on speculation a poll expected to be published this weekend will show eroding support for President Dilma Rousseff’s re-election.

Venezuela hikes minimum wage 30 percent amid high inflation

(Reuters) - President Nicolas Maduro announced on Monday a 30 percent increase in the minimum wage and pensions to protect Venezuelans from inflation nearing a 60 percent annual rate.

Mexico inflation cools in March, below central bank limit

MEXICO CITY, April 9 (Reuters) - Mexican inflation fell below the central bank's 4 percent limit in March, cooling a bit more than expected and backing bets for steady interest rates this year in Latin America's No. 2 economy.

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.

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.