Posts by Edgar Ortiz
The Fed’s Policies and their Consequences for Mexico
The increase in interest rates implemented by the Fed and the resulting outflow of capital from Mexico may begin to affect the good pace in credit growth in the country.
Read MoreSlow Growth, High Government Debt
Mexico continues to experience a yearly growth of less than 3%. Since the second half of 2014, growth rate in Mexico has been stagnant and predictions are that growth will continue at a slow pace throughout this year, as well.
Read MoreArgentina Exits Default and Returns to the Global Market
The effect of this has been seen in the performance of Argentina’s debt in the EMBI+, which has shown major improvement for one year now. Using basis points, the EMBI+ measures the difference between bond performance in emerging countries and American treasury bonds, Eurobonds and other risk-free economic instruments.
Read MoreThe Brazilian Crisis and Its Gray Future
It is true that commodity-producing countries have suffered from the fall of international commodity prices. Brazil, in particular, suffered a great extent. If we keep in mind Brazil’s main exports—which include iron, soy, oil, and sugar—it is logical that the country’s trade balance has deteriorated, as mentioned in a September 2015 article.
Read MoreNo End in Sight for Mexico’s Trade Deficit
The news about the fall in oil prices and the impact it has had on oil producing countries is nothing new. For Mexico, this fall has had a rather notable effect on local currency exchange rates, and in spite of the depreciation of the peso, exportations have not risen.
Read MoreMexico: Petroleum and Public Finance
Public debt is an increasingly important issue for Mexico. Between January 2014 and December 2015, Mexico’s public debt grew 33%. As Mexico’s debt to GDP reaches 52%, authorities continue to downplay the debt’s importance by pointing out that the debt level is still below that of similar nations. A poor consolation. Below is the debt’s change as percentage of the GDP.
Read MoreMexico’s Central Bank Reacts to the Fed’s Rate Hike
The most notable news in the economics and finance world has been the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates on December 16th. In response to the news, Mexico’s Central Bank raised its interest rate target by 0.25 percentage point.
Read MoreAre Guatemala’s Public Finances Sustainable?
The media often report that Guatemala’s current financial situation is stable. We often hear boasts that the country’s public debt to GDP is low compared to other countries in the region. However, despite these claims, government finances have not followed a course that would make us optimistic.
Read MoreBrazil’s Accidental Growth Comes to an End
Many people thought Brazil was the poster child of economic success for its supposedly sound economic and social policies. It was seen as one of the most promising emerging economies in the world and, given its size, was expected to assume a leadership position on the global stage.
Read MoreEconomic growth in Japan decelerates (again)
The main topic of discussion about the Japanese economy over the last twenty years has been its deflation and low economic growth. Japan’s last big economic policy bet has been its quantitative easing (QE) program launched in April 2013.
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