Latin America’s shift to the right is unfolding amid fresh uncertainty in Venezuela, where the US capture of Nicolás Maduro has left the country’s future — and its impact on the region — an open question. Against a shifting global backdrop, this issue of LatinFinance examines what the region’s changing political persuasion means for markets, investors and policymakers.
COVER STORIES
LatAm Political Economy: The Reset
A shift to the political right is driving a renewed push for fiscal discipline across Latin America as US influence reasserts itself. For investors, the search for returns is broadening — even to a Venezuela entering an uncertain post-Maduro transition.
Chile’s Next Test: Growth Without Unrest
Chile’s incoming conservative president faces the challenge of reviving a lackluster economy while keeping the peace with an expectant electorate.
Bolivia’s High-Wire Rebuild
After two decades of leftist rule, a new conservative president is taking a shot at pulling the economy out of a shambles all while keeping on top of its debt payments. This won’t be easy.
The Brazilian paradox
Brazil’s economic outlook looks positive even as its fiscal trajectory appears unsustainable. That tension is sharpening investor focus on the 2026 presidential race. Lula may be polling well, but voters are weighing concerns well beyond the economy.
FEATURES
Climate Finance: Pricing the Storm
Countries race to protect their balance sheets as climate disasters are reshaping sovereign risk across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Digital Finance: The Price of Free
Instant transfers are gutting fee income — and reshaping banking across Latin America.
Mexico doubles down on equity bet
As interest rates fall and investors rotate out of fixed income, a new wave of IPOs is testing whether Mexico’s equity revival can last.
INTERVIEWS
Growth starts with the balance sheet
Laura Alfaro Maykall, chief economist and economic counselor at the Inter-American Development Bank, argues that fiscal sustainability is key for Latin America and the Caribbean to achieve faster economic growth, lift living standards and tackle issues from high crime to low productivity.
Beyond the Barrel: Safeguarding Guyana’s Newfound Wealth
Guyana Finance Minister Ashni Singh says the country’s steady rise in oil production and its fiscal discipline are setting the economy up for sustainable — and inclusive — economic growth, helped by investments in agriculture, electricity and social infrastructure.
SPECIAL REPORT
LAC-GCC: A Capital Agenda
Flush with capital and with a mandate to diversify, Gulf sovereign and private investment is moving beyond traditional markets and into Latin America and the Caribbean. From energy and infrastructure to food security and consumer sectors, the region is emerging as a strategic testing ground for a new phase of Gulf global investment.
LAC-GCC: Energy Investment Comes On Stream
Given their expertise, energy is a major target for investors from the Gulf in Latin America, including natural gas, green hydrogen and solar power.
LAC-GGG: Buying the Breadbasket
With domestic food production limited by climate and water scarcity, Gulf states are investing billions in Latin America’s agribusiness sector — from Brazilian beef and Chilean fruit to logistics and ag-tech — to secure long-term supplies and control global food chains.
LAC-GCC: The Infrastructure Play
Gulf investors and operators are expanding their footprint in Latin American ports, bridges and roads, betting on scale, stability and trade growth.
LAC-GCC: Shopping for Growth
As Gulf investors deepen their presence in Latin America, retail is emerging as a new frontier — offering scale, cash flow and exposure to long-term consumer trends.
PARTING SHOT
The Limits of Climate Delivery
COP30 in Belém advanced finance and enforcement — and exposed how hard it remains to confront fossil fuels, argues Robert Muggah.
