Archive

March 2006

A Peso Saved

María Otero, president of Accion International, a development organization, explains how microfinance can help reach new clients and create markets for banks in Latin Ame...

A Red Flag

Andean

Anchor Man

Argentina

Mario Blejer, a former Argentine central banker who runs the Bank of England's Centre for Central Banking Studies, spoke with LatinFinance's Wall Street editor, Maria O'B...

Bargaining For Rates

Braskem, Latin America's leading petrochemicals company, has been downsizing its debt in an effort to snag better lending rates.

Brazil Attracts More Investors

Brazil

Fresh capital is flowing into Brazilian markets as they become increasingly transparent and sophisticated, and as more local companies go public.

Broadening Horizons

Mexico

Several Mexican companies with strong domestic market shares are expanding overseas in search of fresh opportunities and sales.

Building Boom

Panama

Favorable interest rates and low prices are helping fuel a housing construction bonanza in Panama. But is the boom turning to a bust?

Calm Before the Election Storm

Brazil

The jitters that rocked Brazilian markets ahead of the country's last presidential race are nowhere in sight this election year, since Lula has proven some of his mettle.

Cleaning House

Colombia

Colombia's Grupo Empresarial Antioqueño has been busy streamlining its corporate structure and making itself more attractive to investors.

Competitive Challenge

The money that has been pouring into Latin America recently reflects the attractive returns that can be found in the region, not progress on reforms.

Consumer Boom

Mexico

Economic growth, demand and the greater availability of credit are fueling consumer spending in Mexico. Sectors like retail and construction stand to benefit.

Cracking Down

The Dominican Republic's superintendent of banks, Rafael Camilo, discusses the challenges facing his country's financial institutions.

DCM Bookrunner Ranking - Latin America - January to March 06

Deals

Deals (1)

Mexico

Designs on Growth

Panama

Panama's President Martín Torrijos is implementing market reforms that can also meet the needs of the poor and unemployed. Now he needs to strengthen the country's frayed...

ECM Bookrunner Ranking - Latin America - January to March 06

Fight for Market Share

Panama

Panama's International Banking Center has grown, thanks to a burgeoning local economy and incentives. But some banks complain the market is too crowded.

Going Mainstream

Mexico

In February, Mexico became the first foreign sovereign issuer to sell bonds to retail investors in the United States through a $1.5 billion InterNotes program.

Good Housekeeping

Panama

Controversial reform legislation is helping shore up Panama's finances. The fiscal deficit, however, remains as serious a problem as ever.

In Flux

As Latin American nations settle debts and shake off their reliance on multilaterals, the IMF and other Washington institutions must redefine themselves to stay in the ga...

Latin America Announced M&A by Nationality - January 06 to March 06

Latin American Volumes - January 06 to March 06

Left Out

Foreign direct investment is surging around the world, but flows into Latin America fail to impress. Regional leaders need to spur economic growth to bridge the gap.

Lights On

Brazil

Brazil's energy sector is not out of the dark yet, with experts predicting price spikes within five years and possible power shortages.

M&A Announced Ranking - Latin America - January 06 to March 06

Make Way!

Panama

Trade is growing, so the government and private port operators have to make room for bigger ships using the Panama Canal and the ports.

Moving Closer?

Caribbean

The creation of a Caribbean Single Market and Economy has lent impetus to the idea of an integrated stock market for the region.

New Frontiers, New Challenges

Latin America's central banks are winning the fight against inflation, but better economic standing has created new hurdles for them.

Opening the Books

Mexico

In the wake of Ricardo Salinas Pliego's brush with US regulators, investors are looking for more transparency from Mexican corporations.

Out From Under the Mango Tree

Caribbean

In spite of lingering security concerns, the twin-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago is attracting fresh investment in a number of areas.

People

Chile

Poised for Growth

Barely three years after fraud and mismanagement nearly destroyed the country's financial system, the Dominican economy seems headed for prosperity.

Reaching Out

Caribbean

Opportunities offered by Cuba's vast consumer market are looking increasingly attractive for neighbors in the Caribbean.

Still Standing

For better or worse, Hugo Chávez and his Bolivarian Revolution are influencing events in and beyond Venezuela, from the Bronx to Buenos Aires.

Syndicated Loans Mandated Arrangers - Latin America - January 06 to March 06

The Race Is On

Mexico

With presidential elections approaching, investors are comforted by Mexico's independent central bank and other checks on power that have helped stabilize the economy sin...

Trading Up in Paradise

Caribbean

The economic prospects for much of the Caribbean are better than they have been in years. Hopefully political issues won't derail progress.

Turning Heads

Mexico

Increasingly sophisticated Mexican debt and equity markets are attracting capital at home and abroad, and bankers are offering new products.

Venture Capital On The Upswing

Brazil

Local investors are stepping up in Brazil to fill funding gaps left after a number of foreign funds fled to faster growing Asian markets.