Big prizes, barriers in Brazil's luxury market

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) -- Brazil has been long dismissed as the land of skimpy bikinis and rubber flip flops. But with its galloping economy and hordes of newly minted millionaires, the South American giant is the fashion and luxury industry's newest darling.

Brazil’s Economic Activity Returns to Growth After Three-Month Contraction

Brazil’s economy grew at its fastest pace in 19 months in November, reversing a three-month contraction, as a recovery in consumer spending helped the world’s second-largest emerging market shrug off a global slowdown. Yields on interest rate futures rose.

Latin America unemployment lowest in two decades

LIMA, Peru — Latin America and the Caribbean have confirmed their reputation as being well-positioned to weather the global recession with the news that urban unemployment in the region fell during 2011 to its lowest level since records began.

Chavez: Venezuela to close consulate in Miami

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says his government plans to close its consulate in Miami after the U.S. government expelled a diplomat.

Analysis: In Latin America, business climate is king again

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Here's an economic riddle of sorts: Which economy grew faster over the last seven years? A) President Hugo Chavez's Venezuela, famous for its forced nationalizations and "21st century socialism," or B) Chile, long renowned as a capitalist paradise for investors.

La Polar’s $1 Billion Fraud Fading as Chilean Rival Ripley Posts Rebound

Ripley Corp SA (RIPLEY), Chile’s third- largest department-store chain, is rebounding as investors seize on record-low valuations and concern fades that a credit fraud at rival Empresas La Polar SA (LAPOLAR) will erode the industry’s profits.

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.