Venezuela’s Inflation Nightmare Signals Default May Come Sooner

Venezuela is about to earn another ignominious distinction. Long home to the world’s highest inflation rate, the country now is set to become the site of the 57th hyperinflation event in modern recorded history, says Steve Hanke, professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University.

Fitch Affirms Mexico at 'BBB+'; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Mexico's long-term foreign and local currency IDRs at 'BBB+' and 'A-', respectively.

Here’s Only Economist Who Thinks Mexico Will Lower Rates

Marco Oviedo, Barclays Plc’s 39-year-old chief economist for Mexico, is a little taken aback that he’s the only analyst predicting the country will reduce interest rates this week.

Chilean Prices Rise Less Than Forecast as Economy Weakens

Chilean consumer prices rose less than analysts expected in June, slowing annual inflation for the first time in eight months, as the weakest economic growth in four years eased pressure on costs.

Colombia Unexpectedly Lifts Rates as Growth Rebounds

Colombia’s central bank unexpectedly increased its benchmark interest rate for the first time in more than two years amid signs of an economic rebound and a surge in inflation expectations.

Chile Keeps 4% Rate After Four Rate Reductions in Six Months

Chile kept borrowing costs unchanged as quickening inflation led the central bank to pause following four reductions in the past six months.

Brazil Says Prices Yet to Feel Full Impact of Higher Rate

The full impact of Brazil’s yearlong interest-rate tightening cycle has yet to be reflected in the inflation rate, according to the central bank.

Argentina Economy News: 75% Think Country's Economy Is Failing

A new report finds that Argentineans are deeply concerned about the country's economic state. A new survey has found that 75 percent of those questioned felt that the economy is "on the wrong track" while only 16.9 percent felt were satisfied with the country's economic trajectory.

Argentina: new price controls to fight inflation

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) - Argentina's government is launching its latest price control program to curb high inflation.

Mexico Central Bank Unanimous in Holding Rate as Inflation Slows

Mexican policy makers were unanimous in their decision to leave interest rates unchanged this month as pressure on inflation eased and the Federal Reserve signaled it may begin to withdraw stimulus in the U.S., the minutes published today show.

Colombia Leaves Rates Unchanged and Extends Dollar Purchases

Colombia kept borrowing costs unchanged for a second straight month as policy makers gauge whether Latin America’s lowest interest rate and a government stimulus package will reverse a slowdown in growth. It also extended a program of dollar purchases until September.

Colombia Holds Policy Rate at 4.75% as Global Risk Seen Abating

Colombia kept interest rates unchanged for a second straight month as policy makers judge that bond- buying plans by the U.S. Federal Reserve and European Central Bank will ease the risk of a global slump.

Argentine economy: still too risky for investors, but speculators love it

A recent leading economic indicator, published by Torcuato Di Tella University, put odds of a recession in the Argentine economy at 95% for a second consecutive month.

Argentina's Deputy Economy Minister Denies Government Will Abolish Dollar Use

BUENOS AIRES – Argentina's Deputy Economy Minister Axel Kicillof on Friday lashed out at a report that his economic team is drafting legislation to abolish the use of foreign currencies in the economy as double-digit inflation spurs Argentines to seek the perceived safety of the U.S. dollar.

Venezuela: Economy grew 5.6 at start of 2012

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela's economy grew 5.6 percent during the first three months of the year, continuing expansion that began at the end of 2010, the country's planning minister said Thursday.

Brazil's Central Bank Sees Interest Rate Cycle Moving Lower-Report

SAO PAULO – Brazil's central bank believes the entire cycle of interest rates can be brought lower because of a unique combination of domestic and global effects, the head of the institution said in an interview published in Sunday's edition of the O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper.

Argentina's Economy Probably Grew 4.5% In February

BUENOS AIRES -(Dow Jones)- Argentina's national statistics agency, Indec, is expected to report a moderation in economic activity in February, owing to a downturn in construction and industrial output.

Argentine graft probe dims Boudou's election glow

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - The election night celebrations must seem a distant memory for Argentina's vice president, Amado Boudou, as he faces intense scrutiny over an influence-peddling investigation just four months after taking office.

Mexico’s Obrador Woos Business With Lula-Style Makeover to Close Voter Gap

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was opposed by Mexico’s business community in 2006 when he lost the presidential election by less than a percentage point. He’s trying to claw his way back into contention in this year’s race by wooing his old critics.

Gold, Inflation And Lessons From Latin America

As shoppers in the U.S. celebrate the official start of the holiday shopping season with Black Friday and seek out the bargain basement prices, our own central bank is seeking to lift prices and deter deflation.