Latin American Keys is an informative and analytical summary regarding the political and economic situation in the Latin American region. These key takeaways, prepared monthly by ATREVIA´s Analysis and Research team, serve to be a useful tool in understanding the evolution of the political-institutional state of Latin America.
Economic data in the region have been mixed over the past month, with some countries showing positive indicators, both high and moderate, while others face some stagnation. However, a common pattern has been the increasing public concern about insecurity.
In Uruguay, a referendum was approved to expand the authorities’ powers in the fight against crime, coinciding with elections where the left leads the polls. Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian government has imposed a curfew in certain areas of the country heavily affected by violence, while concerns grow over a potential new energy crisis and low GDP growth.
To stimulate an economy facing various challenges, the central bank of Colombia has cut interest rates again amid high public disapproval of President Gustavo Petro’s management. Peru’s counterpart, President Dina Boluarte, also suffers from low popularity, despite the country reporting very strong data in GDP, inflation, unemployment, and trade.
Argentina recorded its best inflation figure of the year, continuing the downward trend, but the labor market and economic conditions for workers have worsened. In this line of mixed results, inflation and unemployment data were less positive in Mexico, but the local currency appreciated against the dollar, and the public deficit is within forecasts.
Chile’s indicators showed no significant changes from the previous month, but the minimum wage increased, marking the third rise in the past year. Finally, on the international stage, Brazil leads diplomatic efforts to resolve the political crisis in Venezuela, despite the sometimes-ambiguous stance of President Lula da Silva and his government on the matter.