As the COVID-19 pandemic faded in 2021, markets expressed optimism in the worldwide economic outlook and capital flows to emerging markets recovered. It was not to last. The central banks of developed economies are now mopping up the abundant liquidity they had in place since the Great Financial Crisis to fight inflation in their own countries. Geopolitical risks in 2022 have … [Read more...] about Foreign Investment Drops and Concerns Rise in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Impact of War on External Financing in Latin America and the Caribbean
Since March of 2022, the war between Russia and Ukraine has significantly impacted the global economy, affecting recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and reducing or halting growth in most of the world's regions. By disrupting the supply of agricultural and energy commodities, it has also fuelled inflation, which was already running hot before the war broke out. Latin … [Read more...] about The Impact of War on External Financing in Latin America and the Caribbean
Why Chileans Brought Money Home While Colombians Sent It Abroad in 2020
Chile and Colombia are two of the most solid economies in Latin America and the Caribbean. While in 2020 they contracted 5.8% and 6.8%, respectively, they were among the strongest performers in the region amid difficult circumstances. Both are open market economies, with flexible exchange rates and access to foreign markets. They also have faced social unrest and protest … [Read more...] about Why Chileans Brought Money Home While Colombians Sent It Abroad in 2020
Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Latin America and the Caribbean
Latin America and the Caribbean suffers from low productivity. The slow growth in productivity per worker in the region has weakened its economies and made countries unable to satisfy the burgeoning needs and demands of their citizens. The Covid-19 pandemic has only highlighted this chronic problem, revealing a significant technological gap between the region and the advanced … [Read more...] about Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Latin America and the Caribbean
How Can Latin America and the Caribbean Avoid the Next Financial Crisis?
The crash on the New York stock exchange in 1929 brought depression to the world. That is probably why when the global financial crisis broke in 2008, some observers thought the contagion originating in New York would again spread south, causing a collapse in Latin America and the Caribbean. But that didn't happen. Why? The region's internal situation in 2008 was "lean and … [Read more...] about How Can Latin America and the Caribbean Avoid the Next Financial Crisis?