Latin America

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February 14, 2025

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Argentina CPI Review: January Relief but Inflation Fight Continues
Paying Article

February 14, 2025 7:05 PM UTC

Argentina’s CPI rose 2.2% in January, slightly below forecasts, with Y/Y inflation dropping to 84% from 116%. Core CPI increased by 2.4%, accumulating 75% annual inflation. Inflation is expected to decline as devaluation effects fade, though inertia may keep it above 2% in the first half. Services

February 12, 2025

Brazil CPI Review: Mixed Signs from January Inflation
Paying Article

February 12, 2025 12:33 AM UTC

Brazil’s CPI rose 0.16% in January, lowering Y/Y inflation to 4.5% from 4.8%. A temporary electricity discount drove the decline, while Food (+1%) and Transport (+1.3%) showed worrying increases. Core inflation rose 0.7%, with Services CPI jumping to 5.4%, partly due to seasonal healthcare costs.

February 10, 2025

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Mexico CPI Review: Inflation Falls as Demand Eases
Paying Article

February 10, 2025 7:14 PM UTC

Mexico’s CPI rose 0.3% in January, below its 0.6% historical average but in line with expectations. Y/Y inflation fell to 3.6%, the lowest since Jan/2021. Core CPI rose 0.4%, with core goods up 0.7% and services up 0.2%. Non-core CPI fell 0.13%, led by a 1.5% drop in agricultural goods. The econom

February 08, 2025

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Banxico Review: 50 bps Cut as Expected
Freemium Article

February 8, 2025 9:39 PM UTC

Banxico cut the policy rate by 50bps to 10.5%, with a cautious stance and a split vote. Inflation has fallen but remains above target, expected to converge to 3.0% by Q3 2026. Global risks, including Trump’s tariff threats, add uncertainty. Despite economic weakness, some monetary tightening may s

February 06, 2025

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Argentina: Lower Rates, Conditions to Lift the Controls
Freemium Article

February 6, 2025 6:16 PM UTC

The Argentine Central Bank cut rates to 29%, citing improved inflation expectations. Rather than using a contractionary policy, it aims to curb monetary base growth through fiscal consolidation. Inflation is below 3%, with a 2% target feasible by mid-year. However, the 1% crawling peg risks eroding

February 04, 2025

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BCB Minutes: Detailing the Deterioration
Paying Article

February 4, 2025 6:29 PM UTC

The BCB raised rates by 100bps to 13.25%, signaling another hike in March. External uncertainty remains, but domestic risks worsened, with inflation expectations rising. The BCB stressed fiscal-monetary coordination and warned about policy distortions. Despite markets pricing a 15% rate, we expect s

January 31, 2025

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Mexico GDP Review: 0.6% Contraction in Q4 and Recession Risks
Paying Article

January 31, 2025 6:34 PM UTC

Mexico’s GDP shrank by 0.6% in Q4 2024, bringing annual growth to 1.5%, well below previous years. The industrial sector led the decline, driven by uncertainty over Trump’s election and weaker investment, while agriculture also contracted sharply. Monetary tightening, lower U.S. demand, and poli

January 30, 2025

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BCB Review: Maintaining the Course
Freemium Article

January 30, 2025 6:09 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) raised the policy rate by 100bps to 13.25%, signaling another hike in March while monitoring economic data. The statement had a neutral-to-dovish tone, with inflation risks stemming from services CPI, unanchored expectations, and fiscal policy. Market projections see

January 27, 2025

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BCB Preview: 100bps Hike Will Buy Some Time
Paying Article

January 27, 2025 7:09 PM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank is expected to maintain its course with two 100bps hikes, reaching 14.25% by March. Inflation forecasts for 2025 exceed the target, necessitating a firm policy stance. Despite market concerns, new President Gabriel Galípoli is likely to act decisively. The Real’s recent

January 24, 2025

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Brazil: Some Deceleration in Services
Paying Article

January 24, 2025 4:48 PM UTC

The Brazilian economy grew over 3% in 2024 despite tight monetary policy. While services (-0.9% m/m), industry, and retail sales weakened in November, agricultural exports and fiscal stimulus boosted overall activity. The Central Bank Activity Index showed marginal growth (0.1%) in October and Novem

January 22, 2025

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Argentina: Adjusting the Anchor
Freemium Article

January 22, 2025 2:40 PM UTC

Argentina is refining its monetary framework as inflation stabilizes below 3.0% (m/m), marking progress after double-digit levels. Key measures include halting Peso issuance, fiscal adjustments, sterilization to stabilize the monetary base, and diminishing the pace of depreciation of the official ex

January 16, 2025

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Brazil: Fiscal Target will be Fulfilled but Doubts Remains over the Fiscal Sustainability
Paying Article

January 16, 2025 3:08 PM UTC

Brazil achieved significant fiscal consolidation in 2024, with a primary deficit of 0.6% of GDP, or 0.2% excluding flood-related costs, driven by revenue growth and reduced judicial expenditures. However, rising debt servicing costs, now at 8% of GDP, worsen the nominal result. Fiscal discipline wil

January 15, 2025

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Mexico’s Plan: An Eye on Nearshoring and Displacing China in U.S.
Freemium Article

January 15, 2025 1:17 PM UTC

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s “Mexico Plan” targets USD 270 billion in investments, aiming to reduce poverty, boost sustainability, and expand Mexico’s economy. Key goals include nearshoring, increasing domestic production, and fostering U.S. trade relations. However, private investment stag

January 13, 2025

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Brazil CPI Review: Some Deterioration in December
Freemium Article

January 13, 2025 2:28 PM UTC

Brazil’s CPI grew by 0.52% in December, ending 2024 at 4.8%, above the Central Bank’s target range (1.5%–4.5%). Key drivers included food (+1.2% m/m) and household spending (+0.7%). Core inflation rose for the fourth consecutive month, reaching 4.3% Y/Y. Elevated inflation is expected in early

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Cyberattacks and AI Misinformation: Market and Economic Fallout
Paying Article

January 13, 2025 8:10 AM UTC

   A major cyberattack is a tail risk, while a huge AI misinformation crisis is a modest crisis in our view.  Russia/China and Iran are less likely to launch a state sponsored cyberattack for geopolitical reasons and also uncertainty over president elect Donald Trump’s response.  A huge AI mis

January 10, 2025

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Mexico CPI Review: Downtrend Continues
Paying Article

January 10, 2025 2:11 PM UTC

December’s CPI grew 0.4%, with Y/Y inflation dropping to 4.2%, above Banxico’s 2%-4% target. Core CPI rose 0.5%, driven by services, while non-core inflation was stable. MXN depreciation’s pass-through impact remains limited. Tight monetary policy supports convergence, but Banxico faces a deci

January 06, 2025

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Mexico CPI Preview: Christmas Acceleration
Freemium Article

January 6, 2025 2:19 PM UTC

Mexico's December CPI is forecasted to grow by 0.5% in December, bringing 2024 inflation to 4.3%, above Banxico's target. Core CPI aligns better at 3.5%. Weak demand aids inflation convergence, expected by Q3 2026. Risks include a 22% MXN depreciation and U.S. tariffs. Banxico is likely to continue

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Markets 2025: A Tale of Two Halves
Paying Article

January 6, 2025 8:10 AM UTC

·  For financial markets, 2025 will likely be a game of two halves.  US exceptionalism will likely drive US equities to extend outperformance in H1, while the USD rises further as tariffs (threats and actual) escalate.  However, 10yr U.S. Treasury yields will likely push higher in H2, which can

December 30, 2024

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December Outlook: The Trump Effect- Tariffs, Fiscal Shifts and Geopolitics
Paying Article

December 30, 2024 8:05 AM UTC

All chapters of the December Outlook are now available and simply click the link below. 

December 24, 2024

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December Outlook Webinar on Jan 7: The Trump Effect- Tariffs, Fiscal Shifts and Geopolitics
Paying Article

December 24, 2024 8:30 AM UTC

    The U.S. economy’s momentum remains reasonable before the impact of President-elect Trump’s policies in 2025 and 2026.  While high uncertainty exists on the scale and timing of policy, the strategic bias is clear – sizeable tax cuts that will boost the budget deficit; tariffs (threats

December 20, 2024

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December Outlook: The Trump Effect- Tariffs, Fiscal Shifts and Geopolitics
Paying Article

December 20, 2024 12:15 PM UTC

All chapters of the December Outlook are now available and simply click the link below. 

December 19, 2024

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Outlook Overview: The Trump Effect- Tariffs, Fiscal Shifts and Geopolitics
Paying Article

December 19, 2024 9:25 AM UTC

·        The U.S. economy momentum remains reasonable before President elect Trump’s policies impact in 2025 and 2026.  While high uncertainty exists on the scale and timing of policies, the strategic bias is clear – sizeable tax cuts that will boost the budget deficit; tariffs (threats

December 18, 2024

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LatAm Outlook: Economic Shifts
Paying Article

December 18, 2024 5:21 PM UTC

·       Brazil and Mexico economy are likely to decelerate in terms of growth in 2025, although we see this being stronger in Mexico. Mexico legal reforms and its close ties with U.S. increases uncertainty for 2025, especially after Trump elections, although we see tariffs in 2025 as unlikely

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Jan 7 Outlook Webinar: The Trump Effect- Tariffs, Fiscal Shifts and Geopolitics
Paying Article

December 18, 2024 1:23 PM UTC

    The U.S. economy’s momentum remains reasonable before the impact of President-elect Trump’s policies in 2025 and 2026.  While high uncertainty exists on the scale and timing of policy, the strategic bias is clear – sizeable tax cuts that will boost the budget deficit; tariffs (threats

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Equities Outlook: U.S. Exceptionalism v Valuations
Paying Article

December 18, 2024 10:05 AM UTC

·        The glory days of exceptionalism for U.S. equities will likely extend in Q1 2025 to bring the S&P500 to 6200-6300. The problem is that valuations have now become stretched with S&P500 ex magnificent 7 on a forward P/E of 19 and valuations out of line with real bond yields (Figure 1)

December 12, 2024

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BCB Review: Shock 100bps Hike
Freemium Article

December 12, 2024 10:12 AM UTC

The Brazilian Central Bank raised the policy rate by 100bps to 12.25%, with plans for two more 100bps hikes, reaching 14.25% by early 2025—the highest in 18 years. The decision reflects fiscal concerns, inflation risks, and a 10% depreciation of the Real. The BCB aims to curb inflation and protect

December 10, 2024

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Mexico CPI Review: Signs of Disinflation
Paying Article

December 10, 2024 11:04 AM UTC

Mexico’s November CPI rose 0.4%, lowering the Y/Y rate to 4.6% from 4.8% in October. Non-core inflation increased 1.7%, driven by energy costs and seasonal electricity tariff adjustments, while core inflation remained flat, with core goods contracting 0.3%. Key declines occurred in Domestic Goods

December 06, 2024

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Central and Latin America: Country Risk Ratings
Paying Article

December 6, 2024 11:00 AM UTC

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

December 04, 2024

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Brazil GDP Review: Economy Continues Resilient
Paying Article

December 4, 2024 12:50 AM UTC

Brazil’s Q3 GDP grew by 0.9% (q/q) and 4.0% year-over-year, driven by gains in Services (+0.9%) and Industry (+0.6%), which offset a 1.4% drop in Agriculture. Household Consumption (+1.5%) and Investments (+2.1%) were key growth drivers, supported by domestic demand. Despite an unemployment rate o

November 29, 2024

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Banxico Minutes: Evaluating Further Cuts
Paying Article

November 29, 2024 7:31 PM UTC

Banxico’s latest minutes reveal a 25 bps rate cut to 10.25%, with most board members supporting continued easing. They view recent non-core inflation spikes as transitory, expecting headline CPI to decline as shocks dissipate. Core CPI has dropped to 3.8%, reinforcing the case for further cuts, wh

November 28, 2024

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Brazil: Timid Fiscal Package Presented
Freemium Article

November 28, 2024 2:01 PM UTC

Brazil's Finance Minister Fernando Haddad introduced a fiscal package to improve the country's fiscal position without direct budget cuts. Key changes include adjusting the minimum wage growth to align with a new framework limiting expenditures to a maximum of 2.5% in real terms. Other measures rest

November 22, 2024

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Mexico: Budget Aims at Resuming Fiscal Discipline
Freemium Article

November 22, 2024 11:21 PM UTC

Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has introduced the 2025 budget, reaffirming Mexico's commitment to fiscal discipline with a projected fiscal consolidation of 2.0% of GDP, reducing the fiscal deficit from 5.9% in 2024 to 3.9% in 2025. Although there is likely an overestimation on GDP growth we b

November 19, 2024

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Brazil and Mexico Labour Productivity: A Headwind for Growth
Freemium Article

November 19, 2024 12:03 PM UTC

Brazil and Mexico labour productivity has been stagnant in the last years, with both countries registering lower labour productivity levels than they were 12 years ago, with the gap with U.S. only widening. With both countries approaching full-employment, measures will need to be taken to foster gro

November 13, 2024

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Argentina CPI Review: Monthly Inflation Drops to 2.7%
Paying Article

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

November 12, 2024

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BCB Minutes: Hawkish and Indicating Hikes
Freemium Article

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

November 11, 2024

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Brazil CPI Review: Food and Energy Drive Inflation Up
Paying Article

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

November 08, 2024

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Mexico CPI Review: Agricultural Goods Drive Inflation Up
Freemium Article

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

November 07, 2024

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BCB Review: Unanimous 50bps Hike
Paying Article

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

November 05, 2024

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Banxico Preview: Continuing to Cut at 25bps Pace
Freemium Article

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

November 04, 2024

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BCB Preview: 50bps Hike and More to Come
Paying Article

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,

November 01, 2024

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Brazil: Credit is Resilient, but Some Deceleration is Expected
Freemium Article

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

October 30, 2024

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

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

October 29, 2024

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

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

October 25, 2024

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Brazil: High Expenditure Levels Challenge Fiscal Stability
Freemium Article

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

October 23, 2024

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Mexico: Economy Contracts in August, Slowdown Continues
Freemium Article

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

October 22, 2024

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Argentina: Milei’s Plan Going Smoothly
Freemium Article

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

October 20, 2024

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Mexico: More Institutional Reforms on the Pipeline
Freemium Article

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

October 17, 2024

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Brazil: Demand and Imported Prices Lead Inflation Rise
Freemium Article

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

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Central and Latin America: Country Risk Ratings
Freemium Article

October 17, 2024 10:00 AM UTC

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

October 09, 2024

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Brazil CPI Review: 0.4% Growth in September
Paying Article

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