We’re pleased to share the first day’s reporting of The LatAm View direct from the 2026 IDB Group Annual Meeting in Asuncion, Paraguay.
A war thousands of miles away loomed over policymakers, investors and financiers arriving in Paraguay yesterday. The Iran conflict has sent oil prices soaring and shaken global markets — threatening to upend the powerful investment story that has been building around Latin America.
Iran war oil surge risks upending LatAm investment boom
Energy price shocks and fears of stagflation rattle one of emerging markets’ strongest investment stories
Grain prices could cushion oil shock: Paraguay FinMin
Paraguay, one of the world’s biggest soybean exporters, also has space to run a wider fiscal deficit, minister tells LatinFinance
Mercosur wants to sign two more FTAs this year
Leaders of the South American bloc hope the recent EU trade deal will provide the political will for other pacts
Mining minnow moves to unlock mineral wealth
Paraguay wants to attract the best companies to develop resources required for the energy transition, minister says
Security funding rises as crime becomes top concern
Rising crime is fueling the homicide rate in Latin America and dragging on investment, IDB Group says
Highlights from the Q2 Issue of LatinFinance Magazine:
LatAm Investment: A Promise at Risk
Investors have flocked to Latin America over the past year, drawn by high real rates, natural resources and stronger fiscal discipline. Now war in the Middle East and soaring oil prices are putting that dynamic to the test.
Mexico’s Delicate Balance
Investors have, so far, cheered President Claudia Sheinbaum deft handling of relations with Washington. But the upcoming USMCA negotiations could prove the real test for the country’s export-led model.
Rethinking Economic Policy
Macro stability alone cannot deliver sustained growth in a world of mounting challenges. A new playbook, argues Andrés Velasco, must combine innovation, state capacity and political legitimacy.