Are Latin Americans less prone to save? When compared to regions with similar levels of economic development, why does Latin America fare poorly in terms of saving rates? Though several factors shape saving rates, a few are particularly important in generating these gaps at the household level. In particular, past experiences, psychological traits, and even genes or language … [Read more...] about Five Reasons Why Latin Americans Save Less
What Digital Tools Should an Academic Researcher Use to "Connect" to the Net?
Unbeknownst to many people, academic researchers are subject to constant pressure and competition. From the time a student decides to apply for graduate study, a subtle and permanent state of alert begins to produce relevant publications, gain recognition among peers, increase the number of citations and references, and at the same time succeed, whenever possible, in having a … [Read more...] about What Digital Tools Should an Academic Researcher Use to "Connect" to the Net?
Fiscal Procyclicality? Bad Luck or Bad Decisions?
By Leopoldo Avellan and Guillermo Vuletin* Has it ever happened to you that by mid-year, when looking through the household bills you realize that your income is not what you expected, so you have to postpone the car you had planned to buy, give up that vacation you had promised your family, and even change the kids’ school you thought you could afford? Such decisions … [Read more...] about Fiscal Procyclicality? Bad Luck or Bad Decisions?
Universal Children’s Day: Should We Celebrate?
Photo Credit: UNICEF “The one thing all children have in common is their rights. Every child has the right to survive and thrive, to be educated, to be free from violence and abuse, to participate and to be heard." So spoke UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in preparation for Universal Children’s Day on November 20. But rights do not necessarily translate into reality. The … [Read more...] about Universal Children’s Day: Should We Celebrate?
Double-dip of Latin American Exports: a call for diversification
By Paolo Giordano* According to the latest edition of the Trade and Integration Monitor of the IDB, exports from Latin America and the Caribbean fell at an annualized rate of 10.9% in the first six months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 - the biggest drop recorded since the trade collapse of 2009. The total for the year is therefore expected to stay in the red, … [Read more...] about Double-dip of Latin American Exports: a call for diversification