Entries for 'Latin America'

We project a real GDP contraction of 7.5% in 2020 and a modest rebound in 2021. Tourism remains depressed, but remittances have surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels. SLV, JAM, and PAN are set to endure the steepest recessions, while GTM should contract the least due to its stable macroeconomic framework. 

We forecast a modest activity upturn in 2021 from a deep recession this year. Mexico, Argentina, and Peru are set to suffer the largest output contractions regionwide. A weak global backdrop, pre-existing challenges, and eroded policy buffers could complicate the recovery.

The new IMF program improves the funding outlook. An external financing gap next year cannot be ruled out. High borrowing needs would require tapping additional sources. Limited REER adjustment could exacerbate external vulnerability. The February 2021 election adds program implementation risk. 

COVID-19 has exacerbated El Salvador’s external financing needs. Pressure has intensified amid a widening fiscal deficit, and financing options are narrow. With limited flexibility to unwind stimulus after COVID-19, an IMF program would help ease medium-term financing concerns. 

COVID-19 has exacerbated Costa Rica’s external and fiscal imbalances. We project a widening of the current account deficit driven by the services sector. Further IMF funding would be needed to cover a potential external financing gap. External risk remains tied to substantial fiscal vulnerability. 

We analyze the impact of COVID-19 via early activity indicators. Tourism and remittances receipts are key vulnerability drivers. Despite shrinking services surpluses, falling goods imports have kept external pressure contained. Monetary policy has eased markedly, while fiscal space is more limited. 

Exchange rate flexibility has eased the adjustment to COVID-19 in most large countries. However, “fear of floating” is still high across Central America and the Caribbean. While local market financing is increasing, countries have largely had to borrow in hard currency to help withstand the shock.

EM are experiencing an unprecedented and synchronized growth slowdown in ‘20. Restrictions remain in place in many countries, as the health crisis is far from over. The fiscal response has been uneven in EM, with some running out of policy space. Most EM central banks cut rates aggressively, and QE has become part of the toolkit. Asset price recovery and a modest return of capital flows should provide support.

Unprecedented fiscal measures have been enacted to withstand COVID-19. However, stimulus in Colombia appears limited by regional standards. Suspension of the fiscal rule in 2020-21 will enable additional income support. Permanent fiscal deterioration amid a likely frail recovery is a major risk.

COVID-19 has widened fiscal deficits and spurred needs for additional funding. As a result, QE-type measures have gained impetus amid disinflationary pressure. While countries with sounder institutions can take more aggressive steps, we expect QE to remain modest barring a resurgence of instability. 

COVID-19 has increased external funding challenges despite moderate borrowing needs. Notwithstanding oil price relief, collapsing remittances and tourism will weigh on current account receipts. While some countries have tapped global debt markets, uncertainty over financing sources remains. 

COVID-19 has affected Latin America through multiple channels. Pre-existing challenges and increased exposure put the region in a difficult position. We project a deep recession this year amid a sudden stop in capital flows and limited policy space. 

We see the global economy in recession this year, as low oil and financial stress add to the Covid shock. The shock hits EM after years of already subpar growth. We project recessions everywhere in Latin America, and the lowest EM Asia growth since the 1997-98 crisis.

Despite some fiscal consolidation, public finances are fragile. If fully implemented, the fiscal rule would imply a sizable adjustment. Nonetheless, gross public financing needs will likely remain high this year and next. 

South Africa and Mexico face significant fiscal risks from struggling SOEs. Both Eskom and Pemex are receiving sizable support from governments. Such risks prompt SARB and BANXICO to keep real rates above EM peers. A downgrade of sovereign credit ratings could lead to large portfolio outflows. However, risks to debt sustainability are higher in South Africa than Mexico.

Fiscal consolidation has been tempered by political reality. Revenue shortfalls and rigid spending could raise funding needs. Financing relies heavily on timely disbursement by official creditors.

We are expanding our capital flows data to include derivatives, starting with an analysis of non-resident currency forwards in Chile. On aggregate, non-residents are usually short CLP via forwards. The correlation between forwards and capital flows isn’t very strong. Recent drops in carry did not result in a shorter forward position.

The extra 0.5 mbd cut may not be enough to rein in projected oversupply in 2020, since the OPEC+ bloc has already made cuts well beyond the 1.2 mbd target of the previous agreement. Consequently, we expect a decline in average Brent oil prices to $60 a barrel in 2020.

Growth underperformance has amplified social demands for change. While protests will weigh on growth, as in other EMs facing social turmoil, several mitigating factors exist. Bolstering a more inclusive agenda is a tall order, and the risk of erosion of macro fundamentals and institutions is high.