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
Why Remittances Soared as the Pandemic Raged
Remittances – money sent from migrants working abroad to families in their home countries – are a major source of income for many in Latin American and the Caribbean, representing as much as 20% of the GDP in nations such as El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, and Jamaica. As occurred after the 2008 global financial crisis, remittances typically dry up in the wake of economic … [Read more...] about Why Remittances Soared as the Pandemic Raged
Is the Metaverse Better than Zoom for Brainstorming?
Basic forms of digital media use, or virtuality, like videoconferencing have provided flexibility for workers, especially during the recent COVID-19 lockdowns. Some people have found that virtuality brings structure to their workplace and allows them to focus more intensely without the distractions of the office. Some experts suggest that it improves the sharing of unique … [Read more...] about Is the Metaverse Better than Zoom for Brainstorming?
How the Lack of Childcare Exacerbates the Gender Gap
Women have been gaining ground in labor markets, transitioning into paid work and increasingly into leadership positions in Latin America and the Caribbean. But far more progress is needed to create opportunities in which women can realize their economic potential. While the region has bridged 72.6% of its gender gap, progress is currently stagnant. Over the last year, 16 out … [Read more...] about How the Lack of Childcare Exacerbates the Gender Gap
Nudging to Get Citizens to Pay Their Taxes and Improve the Delivery of Public Goods
Latin America and the Caribbean has faced several consecutive crises, from COVID to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, that have weakened countries' ability to provide their citizens goods and services and underscored the need to increase rates. Budgets are tight and capital spending meager, and the region can’t afford rates of evasion for personal and corporate income taxes … [Read more...] about Nudging to Get Citizens to Pay Their Taxes and Improve the Delivery of Public Goods