Latinometrics Newsroom

The Venezuelan interim president has executed a sweeping overhaul of top military command, signaling a fundamental change in state control and political stability.

José Antonio Kast has officially assumed the presidency of Chile, marking a major political regime transition and shift in government strategy.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is reportedly under US criminal investigation, creating significant political and economic uncertainty for the country's legislative and investment climate.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro replaced long-time defense minister Vladimir Padrino in a significant military cabinet overhaul to tighten control over the armed forces.

U.S. prosecutors have launched an investigation into Colombian President Gustavo Petro concerning potential links to drug traffickers, signaling a major potential shift in U.S.-Colombia diplomatic and fiscal relations.

Chile's Minister of Economy and Mining announced a $16B unlock of stalled projects by resolving 51 environmental claims, aiming to reverse a decade of stagnant growth.

The Cuban government has announced a historic shift permitting non-resident citizens, including those in the U.S., to invest in and own private businesses on the island.

Haiti's Presidential Transition Council has officially adopted the electoral decree, codifying the path to elections currently scheduled for August 30, 2026.

The Mexican government's infrastructure plan projects 5.6 trillion pesos in investment through 2030, aiming for a total infrastructure spend of 4.4% of GDP in 2026.

The Mexican banking sector has committed 4.5 trillion pesos (~$225B USD) toward infrastructure and SME financing through 2030 to boost GDP growth to 3-4%.

Formal T-MEC review negotiations have begun in Washington, with the future of 87% of Mexico's manufacturing exports and $40.8B in 2025 FDI at stake due to U.S. concerns over Chinese origin goods.

Argentina's economy officially rebounded with 4.4% GDP growth in 2025, marking a significant turnaround following the deep recession under the Milei administration's reform efforts.

Senator Paloma Valencia emerges as the front-runner in Colombia's latest presidential polling, signaling a potential shift in the country's political trajectory.

Colombia has deployed troops to its border with Ecuador following accusations of cross-border military airstrikes, escalating regional security tensions.

Chile's GDP grew 2.5% in 2025, driven by an 8.9% surge in investment—its best performance since 2021—despite a 1.3% contraction in the mining sector.

The Cuban government has announced a major policy shift allowing Cuban expatriates to invest in and own private businesses (MSMEs/pymes) and access land in usufruct.

President Abinader is addressing the nation to announce an additional 10 billion peso fuel subsidy as gasoline prices hit record highs, surpassing 300 pesos per gallon for the first time.

The Haitian government officially signals a shift to bypass political deadlock, committing to the formation of a Provisional Electoral Council and constitutional reform to break the cycle of inaction.

Cuba faces a critical infrastructure emergency following a second total national grid collapse in one week, paralyzing the island's economic and daily functions.

Cuba's national power grid has suffered its second total collapse in a single week, signaling a critical failure in infrastructure and deepening the nation's energy crisis.

Venezuelan sovereign and PDVSA bonds surged following the US government's decision to waive key energy sanctions, marking a significant shift in capital market sentiment.

The White House is exploring diplomatic avenues to source fertilizer from Venezuela, marking a potential shift in US-Venezuela commercial relations amid global supply constraints.

Prominent Venezuelan oil tycoon Wilmer Ruperti has been detained by police, signaling a potential shift in the country's energy sector and elite power structure.

Mexico's Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard reports encouraging progress in preliminary trade negotiations with the U.S., signaling stability for North American supply chains.

Argentina's central bank interest rates have plummeted below the inflation rate, a critical turning point in President Milei's aggressive monetary tightening and dollar-accumulation strategy.

Brazilian billionaire Eike Batista is reportedly in talks to rescue steel tycoon Benjamin Steinbruch, marking a massive potential consolidation in the country's industrial sector.

Cuba suffers a total islandwide blackout as a worsening energy crisis hits its already fragile national grid.

Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that nullified certain emergency tariffs, the White House shifted to Section 122 of the Trade Act, imposing new temporary 10-15% import tariffs that carry significant implications for North American trade flows.

Former Haitian Prime Ministers warn of a total institutional void and potential political catastrophe by February 7, 2026, if the Transitional Presidential Council fails to formalize a path forward.

Cuba restores its national power grid amid escalating geopolitical tension and threats of intervention from the U.S. administration.

Mexico's state-owned electricity utility, CFE, is advancing a new mixed-investment model to tender 7,500 MW of new generation capacity by 2030, requiring at least 54% CFE ownership.

Nu México reaches 14 million clients and awaits final banking license approval in 2026, while citing CNBV data on the 4.8 million hours lost annually to cash-dependency.

Unilever invested 9.4 billion pesos in State of Mexico factories, part of a broader 30 billion peso 'Plan México' initiative to modernize local food production facilities.

President Abinader commits 10 billion DOP for social programs and subsidies as oil price volatility (rising from $65 to $100/barrel) drives energy inflation in the Dominican Republic.

Mexico's credit is outpacing GDP growth by a factor of 10 (9% credit growth vs 0.8% GDP), with the ABM pledging to finance 30% of Mipymes by 2030, totaling 25 billion pesos in new credit so far.

Mexico attracted $7.38B in new FDI in 2025, a 132.8% annual increase, yet nearly half (48.8%) of this capital was concentrated in Mexico City, highlighting a growing regional investment gap.

Peru has cycled through 17 Economy Ministers in a decade, including three in the first months of 2026, signaling persistent institutional instability that hampers long-term economic planning.

The city of Curitiba is piloting a new 100% renewable biofuel aimed at fully phasing out diesel in its public transport fleet, a move that could serve as a blueprint for decarbonization across Latin American transit systems.

Surging global oil prices are compelling Latin American nations to pivot their energy policies, balancing fiscal dependence on exports with accelerating investments in local renewables.

Cuba faces an existential energy crisis as tightened US sanctions effectively restrict oil supplies, threatening the regime's stability.

Cuba's national power grid collapsed, affecting 10 million people, just hours before a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck the island, deepening a severe socioeconomic crisis.

Chile's economy grew by 2.5% in 2025, with a 7% jump in investment and a reduction in the public debt-to-GDP ratio to 41.5%, marking the first debt decrease in 18 years.

Major Chilean firms like Latam Airlines ($568B CLP (~$622 million USD)), Enel Americas ($451B CLP (~$494 million USD)), and Cencosud ($134B CLP (~$147 million USD)) are deploying massive capital into share buyback programs between 2025-2026, signaling confidence despite market skepticism.

The patent expiry of semaglutide (Ozempic) in India and its impending expiration in markets like Brazil by late 2026 sets the stage for a global surge in affordable obesity treatments.

Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz warns of a 'high' stagflation risk in the U.S. driven by the Middle East conflict and a 40-50% oil price surge, signaling severe supply chain and trade risks for Mexico.

With 57% of Peruvian voters remaining undecided as of March 2026, the upcoming election landscape remains highly volatile and fragmented.

Brazil is pivoting to cheaper, alternative fertilizers as market price spikes threaten the profitability of its agricultural powerhouse.

The Cuban government claims its military is prepared to face new threats amidst shifting international political rhetoric, signaling a potential period of heightened geopolitical risk.

A Russian tanker transporting fuel to Cuba diverted its course following new US regulatory adjustments targeting energy trade with the island.

Russia continues to leverage energy diplomacy to stabilize Cuba's critical energy sector amidst the island's most severe fuel shortage in decades.

Cuba experienced two total national grid collapses in less than one week, highlighting critical infrastructure failures and severe fuel shortages.

Wells Fargo projects an exchange rate of $1,400 per dollar by year-end with a potential 4% economic rebound, while flagging risks regarding foreign reserve levels.

Enjoy Hotels & Resorts moves forward with its $925 million Bahía Papagayo tourism project in Guanacaste, as environmental regulators uphold viability despite ongoing legal challenges.

The San Carlos region in Costa Rica is transitioning from an agricultural base to an AI-driven tech hub, evidenced by 1,696 construction permits in 2025 and 25 companies now operating under the free trade zone regime.

The Honduran government is negotiating a partnership with Dole Fresh Fruit International to expand Puerto Castilla's infrastructure, aiming to convert the site into a major regional growth pole.

Over the past five years, energy sector reforms and partnerships in Mexico only managed $169B in investment, failing to meet the massive expectations initially set for the industry.

Argentina and Uruguay face diplomatic tensions over HIF Global's proposed e-fuel plant in Paysandú, as Argentine legislators challenge the project in federal court.

Argentina faces multiple international legal disputes involving sovereign assets, including a $310 million attachment order in New York and active CIADI arbitration cases.

Chile's economy grew by 2.5% in 2025, bringing the Boric administration's average annual growth to 2.0%, supported by a robust 7% increase in investment and 4.2% growth in domestic demand.

Costa Rica's San Carlos region is experiencing an industrial boom, with new free trade zones attracting firms in the medical and aerospace sectors and scaling employment in back-office services.

The U.S. Treasury has issued a stern warning against the delivery of Russian oil to Cuba, highlighting the intersection of geopolitics and energy security at a time when the island faces severe fuel shortages.

Grupo La Comer expanded into Yucatán with an 885 million peso investment for its first Fresko store in Mérida, creating 370 jobs.

Uruguay's mature tech and global services sector faces a structural shift as currency appreciation and AI adoption force a transition from generalist talent to highly specialized roles.

Moody's projects stable credit outlook for Uruguayan banks as the Central Bank (BCU) pushes for de-dollarization and falling interest rates improve asset quality.

Bureaucratic red tape in Jalisco, Mexico, costs businesses up to 3 million pesos per company due to operational delays, with average daily losses hitting 105,000 pesos in key industrial hubs.

The US has authorized American companies to resume business with Venezuela's state oil firm, PDVSA, to stabilize global crude supply amid conflict with Iran.

Rising global oil prices have compelled the Dominican government to commit 1.7 billion pesos in weekly fuel subsidies, with an additional 10 billion pesos in emergency funding under consideration to curb inflation.

Despite over $300M in projected annual AI spending, 99% of which goes to foreign tech, the Dominican Republic has slipped from 90th to 97th in the Global Innovation Index since 2020.

Fernando Chico Pardo's acquisition of the controlling stake in Banamex highlights a rare shift in Mexican banking control towards independent investors, signaling confidence in the current political and regulatory landscape.

Nacional Financiera y la AMEXCAP buscan colocar 50,000 millones de pesos ($2.7B USD) en capital de riesgo para empresas mexicanas que puedan registrar propiedad intelectual.

Former US DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visited the Dominican Republic to tour Punta Cana International Airport as part of her role in the new 'Shield of the Americas' security initiative.

Investigation reveals how former government contractor Nayshar Flores amassed a $9M+ portfolio in Miami, including 16 luxury apartments and a private jet, through state-linked contracts.

Cuba faces renewed national energy instability as a deepening fuel shortage triggers two nationwide blackouts within a single week.

Closing the gender health gap could boost the global economy by $1T annually, with Chilean women spending 28% more time in poor health than men.

President Luis Abinader visits Paris to meet with Emmanuel Macron and the OECD to promote foreign investment across infrastructure, logistics, and renewable energy sectors.

President Luis Abinader warns of potential price hikes in energy, transport, and food in the Dominican Republic due to the conflict in Iran, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition.

Lamborghini is set to open its first official dealership in the Dominican Republic by the end of 2026 as part of its strategy to target the growing luxury segment in Latin America.

Luxury automaker Lamborghini plans to open its first dealership in the Dominican Republic by late 2026 as part of a regional expansion strategy.

Banreservas launched a real estate fair in New York featuring 6,000 properties and housing loan rates starting at 9.50% for the Dominican diaspora.

The World Bank forecasts the Dominican Republic as one of the regional leaders in export growth, highlighting its economic integration relative to Central American neighbors.

Opposition leader Nasry Asfura announced the postponement of a critical 1,500 MW energy tender, citing the need for greater transparency and investor confidence.

The new mayor of Tegucigalpa (AMDC) reports inheriting an 11 billion lempira debt and an 82 million monthly payroll burden.

Mexico's Finance Ministry projects 1.8-2.8% GDP growth for 2026, following a 0.8% expansion in 2025, amid efforts to reduce the 52.6% of GDP public debt recorded in 2025.

The Middle East conflict has spiked oil prices from $60 to $100/barrel, threatening global stagflation that directly impacts Mexico's trade and inflation outlook.

The IEA's release of 400 million barrels of crude from strategic reserves aims to curb volatility, but Mexico faces sustained pressure on the peso and inflation due to these global energy tensions.

Uruguayan Economy Minister Gabriel Oddone signaled potential fiscal adjustments and deferred commitments due to slower-than-projected economic growth in 2025 and 2026.

A record-breaking delegation of 20 Uruguayan wineries attended Wine Paris 2026 to strengthen the country's position in the premium international wine market.

Uruguay will implement a new $800 USD limit (inclusive of VAT) on international franchise imports starting May 1, 2026, marking a shift in consumer trade policy.

Uruguay's Economy Minister Gabriel Oddone announced a new bill aimed at improving the country's business climate, targeting regulatory reforms that may face political headwinds.

The US issued a 30-day waiver allowing transactions with sanctioned Russian oil tankers, impacting global energy logistics with specific carve-outs for Cuba and North Korea.

A tanker originally destined for Cuba diverted its fuel cargo to Trinidad, highlighting the severe energy logistics crisis currently facing the Cuban economy.

Gabriel Galípolo's successor, Dario Durigan, reinforces continuity in Brazil’s fiscal policy framework amid market sensitivity to economic leadership transitions.

Coastal communities in Mexico are grappling with an oil spill of unknown origin, raising environmental concerns and potential operational risks for energy infrastructure.

Rising non-performing loans in Argentina are forcing banks and fintechs to overhaul credit scoring models by shifting toward digital and mobile behavioral data.

Argentina's country risk index fell below 600 points, reflecting a cautious investor outlook on the country's ongoing economic normalization process.

Itelecom, the firm embroiled in the 'Case Luminarias' corruption scandal, has submitted a new debt reorganization plan after paying out $19.3 billion CLP (~$21 million USD) to creditors and maintaining operations.

Economists expect Chile's Central Bank to signal caution in the March IPoM, specifically noting a projected 4.9% growth in investment led by the mining sector.

The introduction of a $18,000 'bond' visa for 50 countries could significantly restrict fan travel to the 2026 World Cup hosted in North America.

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Education is scaling a national English-learning initiative through the Education First (EF) digital platform, reaching at least 800 teachers.

Frank and Haydée Rainieri, founders of Grupo Puntacana, were honored with the Queen Sofía Award for their pivotal role in transforming Punta Cana into a world-class tourism destination.

Legal proceedings continue against former Dominican Republic ministers accused of corruption in a case involving alleged state financial irregularities.

Frank and Haydée Rainieri, founders of Grupo Puntacana, were honored with the 'Premios Sofía' in Miami for their pivotal role in building Punta Cana into a premier Caribbean tourism destination.

Various social and business sectors in the Dominican Republic are active in requesting dialogue regarding the government's proposed fiscal reform.

Haitian companies are invited to the 'Business Matchmaking Forum Colombia 2026' in Bogotá, an event connecting nearly 1,000 international buyers with 2,000 Colombian suppliers.

The Haitian government has unveiled a 345.51 billion gourde budget for 2025–2026, marking a 6.8% increase over the previous fiscal period.

Honduras operates under a prorogued Public Investment Program (PIP) totaling 79.3 billion lempiras due to the non-approval of the 2026 National Budget.

Experts at incMTY 2026 reveal a shift in Mexican venture capital, where startup entry costs have plummeted from $5M to $25,000, but only 8% of startups succeed in securing a second funding round.

The Central Bank of Peru (BCR) warns that rising global oil prices are putting upward pressure on the domestic costs of plastics and fertilizers.

Uruguay faces a projected economic slowdown in 2026, highlighting the urgent need for fiscal discipline and competitiveness reforms to stimulate future investment.

Economic analysis reports a shift in Uruguay's macroeconomic landscape as perceived expectations collide with declining presidential approval ratings.

Uruguay's Ministry of Economy is considering spending cuts or deferrals as the country faces a slowdown in economic activity.

Venezuelan players are set to earn $3.375M as their share of a record-breaking $37M World Baseball Classic prize pool.

The Haitian Olympic Committee (COH) and the AIC Foundation have renewed a strategic partnership through 2029 to support youth leadership and fund 35 national sports federations.

Argentina's country risk index hit 632 points before stabilizing following comments from Finance Minister Luis Caputo regarding sovereign credit.

Haiti's government forecasts a marginal 0.3% GDP growth for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, with inflation projected to hit up to 23.4% and tax pressure remaining at 4.4%.

Nasry Asfura held a bilateral meeting with U.S. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to discuss investment, migration, and security cooperation.

Grupo El Comercio, Peru's largest media conglomerate, has appointed a new board of directors with a majority of female members.

A Cuban man has engineered a method to power a vehicle using charcoal, highlighting the extreme creative adaptation required to survive ongoing fuel shortages.