Category: 2014 March / April

In the year Brazil hosts the FIFA World Cup, it increasingly seems on the losing side as far as investors are concerned. But given its underlying economic and financial advantages, the country could stage a comeback.

Itaú advanced its expansion bid in Latin America through a merger with Chile’s CorpBanca, while CFR Pharmaceuticals pulled a chunky cross-continental bid. By Katie Llanos-Small

Central America — and the Dominican Republic, now linked to the isthmus via a free trade agreement — might be home to some small economies, but with some interesting stories to tell.

Chile’s incoming government plans to introduce a raft of new legislation, including a landmark tax reform. But concern is growing that the proposals will limit investment in an already slowing economy. By Lucien Chauvin

Reforms launched late last year — in oil and gas, and other areas like electricity and banking — have the potential to transform Mexico. But the longer-term benefits are still far away, and difficult to achieve.

Peru remains an investment hotspot—for now. The government hopes to double copper mining by 2016. But the country remains vulnerable to slowing Chinese demand and domestic political conflicts. By Lucien Chauvin

Bank lending is set to pick up after a February lull. Meanwhile, investment banks and law firms are beefing up teams in Mexico.
By Karen Schwartz

Argentina has so far dodged another long-predicted financial crisis. Many believe it might just avoid the worst this time—even if that means via the ballot box. By Charles Newbery

Mexico’s radical energy reforms will affect far more than oil and gas production. But much must be done before the benefits of a new Pemex are felt. By James Fredrick

It will take more than rhetoric for Brazil to regain credibility in global markets. A new fiscal plan might be part of the solution, but investors are likely to demand a lot more. By Thierry Ogier