Argentina CPI Review: Monthly Inflation Drops to 2.7%

November 13, 2024 3:09 PM UTC

Argentina's October CPI rose by 2.7%, hitting a three-year low and reducing the Y/Y inflation to 192%. Milei’s fiscal shock plan aims to curb inflation, with anticipated tariff adjustments potentially keeping inflation near 3% monthly in the next month. With inflation dropping Argentine government

BCB Minutes: Hawkish and Indicating Hikes

November 12, 2024 2:49 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) remains hawkish, raising rates by 50 bps to 11.25% amid resilient domestic growth and unanchored inflation expectations. Key concerns include rising uncertainty in the fiscal landscape and exchange rate volatility, prompting cautious monetary policy. The BCB signals

Brazil CPI Review: Food and Energy Drive Inflation Up

November 11, 2024 9:13 PM UTC

Brazil’s October CPI rose 0.56%, pushing the year-over-year rate to 4.7%, above the Brazilian Central Bank’s (BCB) 4.5% target. The increase was driven by food and housing costs, especially due to rising electricity tariffs impacted by low hydroelectric reservoir levels. Although core CPI remain

Mexico CPI Review: Agricultural Goods Drive Inflation Up

November 8, 2024 2:58 PM UTC

Mexico's CPI rose 0.54% month-over-month in October, with a year-over-year increase to 4.8%, slightly above expectations. Agricultural goods and energy prices were key contributors. Core CPI, showing positive recent trends, rose 0.3% month-over-month and dropped to 3.8% year-over-year. Banxico is ex

BCB Review: Unanimous 50bps Hike

November 7, 2024 2:19 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank raised its policy rate by 50 basis points to 11.25%, signaling heightened concerns over inflation risks driven by domestic dynamics and global uncertainties. While noting external volatility and fiscal policy impacts, the BCB emphasized that persistent inflation requires a

Banxico Preview: Continuing to Cut at 25bps Pace

November 5, 2024 7:45 PM UTC

Mexico's Central Bank (Banxico) is expected to proceed with a 25 basis-point rate cut on Oct. 10, bringing the policy rate to 10.0%. Banxico remains focused on core CPI, which is gradually decreasing toward its 3.0% target. While some previously anticipated a 50 basis-point cut, consensus now favors

BCB Preview: 50bps Hike and More to Come

November 4, 2024 8:05 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) is expected to raise rates by 50bps in November to curb rising inflation, which could exceed the 4.5% upper limit if inflationary shocks persist. Market concerns focus on food prices, a strong labor market, and external exchange rate pressures. The new BCB President,

Brazil: Credit is Resilient, but Some Deceleration is Expected

November 1, 2024 8:58 PM UTC

In early 2024, Brazil's credit market saw an 8.2% growth, supported by easing inflation and favorable monetary policy. Both earmarked and non-earmarked credit contributed, with household credit outpacing enterprise lending. Delinquency rates remain manageable at 3.8%. However, deceleration is expect

Mexico GDP: Demand Sustains Q3 Rebound, but Growth Expected to Slow

October 30, 2024 6:01 PM UTC

Mexico's Q3 GDP grew by 1.0% quarter-over-quarter, beating market expectations, though annual growth slowed to 1.5%. High employment and stronger-than-expected U.S. demand sustained growth, but the outlook remains cautious. Slower growth is expected ahead, with limited structural shifts such as near

Brazil: Muncipal Elections Shows the Force of the Center-Right

October 29, 2024 3:07 PM UTC

In Brazil’s recent municipal elections, Lula’s left and center-left base saw limited success, winning only 25% of municipalities, while the remaining went to right and center-right forces. The political landscape remains fragmented, with centrist influence strong. New right-wing figures are emer

Brazil: High Expenditure Levels Challenge Fiscal Stability

October 25, 2024 5:40 PM UTC

Brazil’s fiscal data through August shows a primary deficit of 2.3% of GDP, with expenditure growth outpacing revenue gains despite efforts to increase government income. Social transfers and unemployment benefits contributed to rising expenditures, now at 20.2% of GDP. The Central Bank’s recent

Mexico: Economy Contracts in August, Slowdown Continues

October 23, 2024 6:25 PM UTC

Mexico’s economy contracted by 0.3% in August, with agriculture down 9% and the industrial sector shrinking by 0.5%. Construction dropped 3.6%, and employment growth slowed. Weaker internal demand and stabilizing U.S. demand signal more challenges ahead. Banxico may cut rates further, but subpar g

Argentina: Milei’s Plan Going Smoothly

October 22, 2024 5:51 PM UTC

Since taking office, Milei's administration has focused on tackling Argentina's fiscal and monetary imbalances, implementing a shock fiscal plan to reduce expenditures by 4% in 2024. Fiscal surpluses have been recorded monthly, but the adjustment has caused three consecutive quarters of economic con

Mexico: More Institutional Reforms on the Pipeline

October 20, 2024 3:09 PM UTC

Morena's political dominance has strengthened with Claudia Sheinbaum's election and judicial reforms, allowing them to shape the Supreme Court. This boosts their ability to push controversial policies, like state control of Mexico’s energy sector. However, economic slowdown and potential U.S. poli

Brazil: Demand and Imported Prices Lead Inflation Rise

October 17, 2024 6:33 PM UTC

Our updated model shows that stronger-than-expected demand and BRL depreciation are driving Brazil’s inflation higher, while supply remains stable. Despite recent rate hikes, inflation expectations have risen, loosening monetary policy. We expect the BCB to implement two more 50 bps hikes before p

Central and Latin America: Country Risk Ratings

October 17, 2024 10:00 AM UTC

We provide country risk reviews for select Central and Latin America countries.  

Brazil CPI Review: 0.4% Growth in September

October 9, 2024 3:00 PM UTC

In September, Brazil's CPI rose by 0.44%, aligning with market expectations and increasing the year-over-year rate to 4.4%. The surge was mainly driven by rising electricity prices, influenced by droughts impacting hydroelectric generation. While other categories behaved predictably, cost-push infla

Brazil: Moody’s Upgrade Brazil’s Rating

October 2, 2024 2:22 PM UTC

Moody's upgraded Brazil's rating to Baa1, one level below investment grade, citing growth and structural reforms like tax and labor reforms. While Brazil's fiscal framework still faces challenges, adherence to it could stabilize the Debt/GDP ratio. Analysts were surprised by the upgrade, but maintai

Markets: Rate Cuts or Geopolitics?

October 2, 2024 9:36 AM UTC

Israel will likely counteract Iran, which will prompt a further missile attack by Iran.  However, our bias remains that Israel main aim is to have a buffer zone in southern Lebanon up to the Latani river and not fight a prolonged war with Iran.  This limits the economic fallout globally and on oil

Brazil: Quarterly Inflation Report Shows BCB Worries

October 1, 2024 2:10 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank's latest report highlights stronger-than-expected economic growth of 1.4% in Q2 and a positive output gap, raising inflation risks. While non-core inflation decreased, core measures like services inflation remain sticky. Credit growth continues to be robust, but fiscal pol

Banxico Review: 25bps Cut as Expected, But Not Unanimous

September 27, 2024 12:58 PM UTC

Banxico cut the policy rate by 25 bps to 10.5%, but the decision was not unanimous, with one dissenter favoring a higher rate. Weak domestic growth and softening core CPI suggest further cuts are likely, though caution is needed due to market volatility. Banxico’s minutes will provide more clarity

September Outlook: Rate Cuts But How Far?

September 27, 2024 7:44 AM UTC

The 15 chapters of our September Outlook have now been published.  See the headlines and weblinks enclosed for links to the articles on economic, policy and markets for the 23 countries that we cover.

BCB Minutes: Adding Some Hawkishness to the Communique

September 25, 2024 1:44 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank raised the policy rate by 25 bps to 10.75%, citing stronger-than-expected economic activity and deteriorating inflation expectations. The committee highlighted rising inflationary pressures, especially in wages and credit growth. While future rate hikes are likely, no forw

Outlook Overview: Rate Cuts But How Far?

September 25, 2024 7:30 AM UTC

·        The U.S. economy is slowing, with the critical question being whether this is a soft or harder landing.  Our broad analysis leaves us inclined to the soft landing view into 2025, though we shall watch real sector data closely over the next 3-6 months to check the trajectory.  Else

LatAm Outlook: Diverging Patterns

September 24, 2024 12:54 PM UTC

·       Brazil and Mexico started to diverge in terms of growth. While we see Brazil GDP growing above 3.0% in 2024 (pushed by the internal demand), we see Mexico’s growth decelerating to 1.3%, due to weaker demand from U.S. and contractionary monetary policy. In 2025, we see Brazil growing

Equities Outlook: Choppy U.S. and Outperformance Elsewhere

September 24, 2024 8:30 AM UTC

 •     We now forecast 5450 for the S&P500 for end 2024, but could see a move to 5200/5000 in the next 3-6 months as volatile data keeps the soft v hard landing debate alive.  On our baseline of a U.S. soft landing, we would see the S&P500 at 5600 by end 2025. The tech sector is still really i

Argentina GDP Review: 1.7% Contraction in Q2

September 19, 2024 1:38 PM UTC

Argentina’s GDP contracted by 1.7% in Q2 2024, marking three consecutive quarters of decline, largely due to Milei’s economic reforms. While agriculture grew by 80%, industry and consumption sharply declined. A 4.9% contraction is expected for 2024, with limited recovery in 2025, far below gover

BCB Review: Switching Back to Hikes

September 19, 2024 12:50 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) raised the policy rate to 10.75%, signaling more hikes due to domestic pressures, including stronger economic activity and de-anchored inflation expectations. Despite global uncertainties, the decision reflects concerns about Brazil's positive output gap and fragile

September 27 Outlook Webinar: Rate Cuts But How Far?

September 15, 2024 11:17 AM UTC

    Uncertainty about whether the U.S. economy will have a soft or hard landing is growing as the market approaches Q4.  This is shaping the debate regarding the scale of easing through the remainder of 2024 and 2025 by the Fed.  European easing is underway, but how much further will central ba

Sep 27 Outlook Webinar: Rate Cuts But How Far?

September 15, 2024 10:30 AM UTC

    Uncertainty about whether the U.S. economy will have a soft or hard landing is growing as the market approaches Q4.  This is shaping the debate regarding the scale of easing through the remainder of 2024 and 2025 by the Fed.  European easing is underway, but how much further will central ba

Mexico: Controversial Judicial Reform is Approved by the Congress

September 13, 2024 1:39 PM UTC

The Mexican Senate approved a controversial judicial reform proposed by President López Obrador's MORENA party. The reform calls for the election of all 7,000 federal judges, with current judges being dismissed. Supreme Court justices will also be reduced and replaced by elections in 2025. Concerns

Argentina CPI Review: 4.2% only in August

September 12, 2024 2:18 PM UTC

Argentina’s CPI rose 4.2% in August, surpassing market expectations, with Y/Y inflation falling to 236% from 260%. Public service tariff adjustments, particularly in Transport and Housing, were key inflation drivers. Food prices increased 3.5%, while goods CPI grew 3.2%, suggesting a slowing infla

Brazil CPI Review: Drop on Electricity Prices Warrants Stability in August

September 11, 2024 10:31 PM UTC

In August, Brazil’s CPI remained stable at 0% month-over-month, with the year-over-year rate dropping to 4.2% from 4.5% in July. This stability was driven by declines in the Housing group and food prices. Education and household expenditures increased by 0.7%, while the Transport group stayed unch

Mexico CPI Review: 0% Inflation in August as Expected

September 10, 2024 1:53 PM UTC

Mexico's CPI remained flat in August, causing year-over-year CPI to drop from 5.6% to 5.0%. This stability was driven by a 0.7% decline in non-core CPI, while core CPI rose 0.2%. The Food and Beverages CPI fell 0.6%, reflecting easing pressure on agricultural goods. With the economy cooling, inflati

Mexico CPI Preview: Stabilization on August

September 5, 2024 4:39 PM UTC

Mexico’s August CPI is expected to remain flat at 0%, with year-on-year inflation dropping to 5.0% from 5.5% in July, driven by a contraction in non-core CPI. Core CPI is projected to rise by 0.2%, bringing its year-on-year figure to 3.9%. This trend may give Banxico more confidence to resume inte

Brazil: GDP Surprises in Q2, Growing 1.4% (q/q)

September 3, 2024 3:07 PM UTC

Brazil's Q2 GDP grew 1.4% (q/q), surpassing expectations, driven by strong industrial growth and robust internal demand. Investment increased by 2.1%, while external demand lagged due to rising imports. Agriculture declined due to floods, but services grew steadily. With internal demand as the key g

Central and Latin America: Country Risk Ratings

September 2, 2024 10:00 AM UTC

We provide country risk reviews for select Central and Latin America countries.  

Brazil GDP Preview: 1% Growth in Q2 is Good News

August 30, 2024 2:19 PM UTC

Brazil's Q2 2024 GDP is expected to grow 1.0%, driven by strong domestic demand and recovery in Services, Construction, and Mining. Despite analysts predicting a slowdown, fiscal stimuli and election-related spending have fueled growth. However, concerns remain whether this growth is sustainable or

Mexico: Inflation Report Shows Confidence in Cuts

August 29, 2024 2:08 PM UTC

Banxico's latest report reveals a weaker growth outlook, with a 2024 forecast cut to 1.4% and further weakening expected in 2025. Despite rising non-core CPI, inflation remains controlled. Banxico is likely to continue rate cuts, aiming for a year-end policy rate of 10.25%, amid moderate inflation c

Brazil: The Case for a Hike?

August 28, 2024 1:42 PM UTC

Despite the market's push for a rate hike by the Brazilian Central Bank (BCB), we believe the current policy rate of 10.5% is sufficiently restrictive to ensure inflation converges. However, de-anchored inflation expectations, fiscal concerns, strong economic activity, and a new BCB president desiri

Banxico Minutes: Cuts on the Table, Divided Board

August 23, 2024 1:02 PM UTC

Banxico has resumed its rate-cutting cycle, reducing the policy rate from 11% to 10.75%, with a split board decision. Most members noted weakening domestic activity and external volatility impacting the exchange rate. While some view the rise in non-core inflation as transitory, others see it, along

Argentina: Economy Continues to Shrink

August 22, 2024 2:08 PM UTC

Argentina’s economy contracted by 0.3% in June (m/m), according to INDEC’s monthly activity indicator and, in quarterly terms, it will accumulate three consecutive quarter of contraction. Despite an 80% annual rise in agricultural activity due to base effects, other sectors like construction and

Mexico: FDI Increases but No Sign of Nearshoring

August 21, 2024 2:50 PM UTC

Mexico's FDI reached USD 31 billion in the first half of 2024, a 7% increase from 2023. However, this figure may be inflated by not accounting for USD inflation, potentially reducing real growth. While nearshoring discussions continue, current FDI largely reflects reinvestment by existing foreign fi

Brazil: Activity Surprises Again in Q2

August 19, 2024 1:24 PM UTC

The Brazilian economy outperformed expectations in Q2, with a 1.1% growth (according to monthly data) driven by industrial production and strong household demand. This strength likely stems from the fiscal push in late 2023, though a slight deceleration is anticipated in the second half of 2024. Wit

Mexico: Moving Towards Deficit as Expected

August 16, 2024 8:10 PM UTC

Mexico's fiscal situation is becoming challenging, with a primary deficit emerging due to increased support for PEMEX and overestimated growth projections. The Debt/GDP ratio is expected to rise to around 50.8% by 2024, possibly stabilizing around 49-54% depending on fiscal consolidation efforts. Wh

Argentina: CPI at 4.0% in July

August 15, 2024 2:52 PM UTC

Argentina's July CPI rose 4.0%, the lowest since January 2022, yet still above the 2% crawling peg, suggesting real exchange rate appreciation. Year-over-year CPI fell to 263% from 271% in June, with further declines anticipated. Despite some inflation reduction under Milei, price distortions and re

Argentina CPI Preview: Inflation Continues to Slowdown

August 13, 2024 12:57 PM UTC

On July 14 Argentina National Statistics Institute (INDEC) will release CPI data for July. Argentina's fiscal adjustment and zero ARS emissions strategy have eased inflation, reducing CPI growth from 20% in January to 3.5% in July. However, the crawling peg exchange rate policy and lack of internati

Market Turbulence and What has Changed?

August 13, 2024 12:22 PM UTC

 •   We see the recent market turbulence as being partially a reduction in risky positions.  However, the U.S. economy is slowing and triggering a debate about a soft or harder landing (we see slowing rather than recession in our baseline), while EZ data shows the recovery is not gaining moment

Brazil CPI Review: 0.4% Growth in July

August 9, 2024 3:14 PM UTC

Brazil's CPI rose by 0.38% in July, pushing the Y/Y rate to 4.5%, the upper limit of the Central Bank's target. The increase was driven by rising transport costs, especially gasoline and airfare, while food prices fell. Despite this, uncertainty remains about the economy's potential overheating, wit