Panama’s economy grew by 8.1% last year, compared with 6.4% in 2005, according to official government figures. Construction was the most dynamic sector, rising 17.4%, banking expanded 12.8%, hotels and restaurants grew 12.5%, and trade was up 11.3%.
Category: Regions
Posted inDaily Brief
Colombia Inflation Gathers Pace
Colombia’s inflation gathered pace in February, with prices rising 1.17% during the month, according to national statistics bureau DANE. February’s prices took inflation for the 12 months through February to 5.25%, overshooting the government’s 4%-5% target range. Education costs drove the hike in prices, rising 3.94% in the month.
Posted inDaily Brief
Multivalores To Start Operations Friday
Mexican financial group Multivalores is to start its banking operations, Banco Multiva, on Friday. The group, which already owns a brokerage, an investment fund operator and a leasing company, applied for a banking license last May because it wanted to consolidate its position in the financial system. Mexico’s banking sector is dominated by foreign-owned institutions such as BBVA, Santander, Citi and HSBC.
Posted inDaily Brief
Peru February Inflation Picks Up Pace
In Peru, the price of food, clothing and education drove up prices in February by 0.26%, the fastest rise in 10 months. Annual inflation for the 12 months through February fell to 0.36%, the lowest rate seen since August 2002.
Posted inMagazine
Digicel Takes Caribbean by Storm
Irish-owned telecom Digicel is rapidly growing its Caribbean market share, even in Haiti and Guyana.
It also has an eye on Cuba and Central America.
Posted inMagazine
Hurricanes and Googlies
The Caribbean is enjoying a construction boom and offers diversification for investors. Equity markets are gaining critical mass and even the weather risk has been mitigated.
Posted inMagazine
Jamaica: No Problem
Jamaica is basking in the regional good times and claims to be turning a corner. However high debt levels and disappointing fiscal performance are holding it back.
Posted inDaily Brief
Fitch Launches New Global Infrastructure, PF Team
Fitch Ratings has launched a new global infrastructure and project finance team. The group will consist of 28 analysts in Europe, Asia, Latin America, the US, and Australia. Dan Champeau, a managing director in Fitch’s public finance group, will oversee infrastructure and project finance ratings in the Americas region.
Posted inMagazine
league tables and deals
Latin America and Caribbean League Tables, January 1 to March 14, 2007