- Disinflation continues in Peru, as temporary shocks fade and domestic demand remains sluggish.
- We look for the BCRP to reduce rates to about 5% by the end of H1 2024...
- ...But risks to the inflation outlook have increased at the margin in recent days, particularly geopolitics.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- In one line: More rate cuts to come, despite the still-cautious tone.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- Inflation pressures in Brazil remained under control at the end of 2023, as domestic demand eased.
- Favourable inertia effects and the BRL’s performance in recent quarters will push inflation down in H1.
- Further good news on the inflation story in Colombia; the COP’s rebound last year will be a drag in Q1.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- Brazil — At an all-time high, and 2024 looks solid
- Mexico — Improving, but elections could bring noise
- Chile — Rally to continue after political risk eases
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- Inflation in Mexico edged up in December, chiefly due to non-core pressures, as bad weather hit.
- Core inflation continues to fall, at the margin, thanks to the lagged effect of the MXN rebound last year.
- We expect Banxico to cut rates next month, but poor weather conditions could delay action to March.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- Rapid disinflation continues in Chile, which will allow BCCh to accelerate the pace of monetary easing.
- Fighting a subpar economic recovery is now BCCh’s priority, assuming the CLP remains under control.
- Improving external accounts are allowing bolder action, and pointing to a capex contraction in H1.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- In one line: A soft start to the quarter, despite the strong-looking headline.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- The easing cycle has started in Colombia, as the economy struggles and thanks to the Fed’s shift.
- Chile’s BCCh accelerated the pace of easing, as inflation is falling and economic activity faltering.
- The trajectory of the Fed’s policy will determine the magnitude and timing of interest rate cuts in LatAm.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- Mexico — Political noise on the increase
- Chile — Certainty after the constitutional vote?
- Peru — Calm for now
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- In one line: Economic activity is grinding to a halt.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- President Milei has rolled up his sleeves, announcing concrete measures to put the economy on track.
- Inflation rebounded sharply in November, and the rapid uptrend will persist over the first half of 2024.
- Chile rejected a constitution proposal for the second time in a year; does this mean uncertainty?
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- Brazil’s COPOM delivered another widely expected 50bp cut to the Selic rate and kept a dovish tone.
- The Board, however, signalled that this pace of easing would continue in Q1, as upside risks remain.
- We expect bolder action ahead, though, as economic activity struggles and external conditions stabilise.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- Mexico — Rebounding, and the outlook is benign
- Argentina — All eyes on Milei’s first steps
- Chile — A gradual recovery, but hurdles remain
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- In one line: A sharp m/m increase, but the rapid downtrend will resume soon.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America
- Mexico’s disinflation is continuing, despite recent upside surprises due to temporary seasonal factors.
- Core inflation is still falling, opening the door to rate cuts as the economy struggles.
- The outlook is benign thanks to the MXN, but key threats remain, particularly on the policy front.
Andrés Abadía (Chief LatAm Economist)Latin America