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.

Mexico central bank cuts 2013, 2014 growth outlook

MEXICO CITY, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Mexico's central bank on Wednesday cut its growth outlook for this year and next after a sharp economic slowdown but reaffirmed its view that no more rate cuts are advisable because it eyes a rebound.

Brazil truckers call for 72-hour strike starting Monday

(Reuters) - Brazil's trucking union is calling for a 72-hour strike starting on Monday, potentially slowing the movement of record soy, corn and sugar crops to ports, although unlikely to stop exports.

Colombia Dissenting Interest Rate Decision Signals Further Cuts

More than one of Colombia’s seven central bank board members voted for a bigger interest-rate cut than the majority agreed to last month, fueling speculation that further reductions are likely.The peso fell.

DATA SNAP: Mexico's Annual Inflation Eases From 2-1/2 Year Peak

MEXICO CITY--Mexico's annual inflation eased in October for the first time in five months, fading away from the 2-1/2 year peak recorded the previous month and giving room for the central bank to delay a possible rate increase.

Brazil Swap Rates Climb on Higher Inflation Forecast; Real Falls

Brazilian swap rates rose to a six- week high after analysts covering the economy increased their 2012 inflation forecast, bolstering speculation the central bank may limit its cycle of borrowing-cost cuts.

Rising food prices could sway voters in Latin America

The rising cost of food in Latin America is squeezing workers and families already struggling to survive below the poverty line and could give opposition parties a boost in elections from Peru to Mexico.

Governments are scrambling to contain food prices and inflation in general, handing out discounted beef in Argentina and helping small Mexican food producers buy contracts in financial markets to buffer against higher corn prices.