Latin America News
LAST UPDATE: August 28, 2025
Argentina’s Milei leaves campaign event after crowd aggression
Milei was hurried out of a campaign event after protesters hurled stones at his vehicle; no injuries were reported. He accused the opposition of resorting to violence.
Insight
The episode highlights escalating political polarization in Argentina amid upcoming midterms, with civil tensions increasingly visible.
Brazil’s central bank chief says interest rates remain restrictive
The central bank head emphasized that interest rates must stay high—currently at 15%—because inflation expectations remain sluggish in their convergence to target.
Insight
The insistence on tight monetary policy reflects Brazil’s cautious stance on inflation, despite a strong labor market and easing forecasts.
Brazil’s central bank says its Pix system is not a threat to payments companies
Brazilian central bank asserts its Pix instant payment system is a neutral public infrastructure, not posing threat to private payments firms.
Insight
Emphasizes Pix as public good enhancing financial inclusion, not competing directly with private firms.
Brazil might challenge tariffs in US courts, finance minister says
Finance Minister Haddad warns Brazil may legally challenge the US’s 50% tariffs in U.S. courts, avoiding lobbying.
Insight
Signals Brazil’s willingness to fight protectionism through legal means, showing frustration with unpredictable U.S. policy.
National Bank of Canada’s profit rises on wealth management boost
National Bank of Canada’s Q3 profit rose to C$1.10B, lifted by a 12% increase in wealth management income.
Insight
Highlights the growing importance of wealth management in Canadian banking profitability.
Argentina’s Milei leaves campaign event after crowd aggression
President Javier Milei was escorted away from a campaign event after protesters threw bottles and rocks at his car; no injuries were reported.
Insight
The incident underscores escalating tensions ahead of midterm elections and highlights security risks facing populist leaders.
Brazil’s central bank chief says interest rates remain restrictive
Brazil’s central bank head indicated rates must stay high—at 15%—to rein in sluggish inflation expectations.
Insight
The persistent hawkish stance signals caution amid fragile inflation dynamics and aims to anchor inflation outlook.
Brazil’s central bank says its Pix system is not a threat to payments companies
The central bank clarified that Pix, its instant payment system, is neutral infrastructure and not a competitive threat to private payment firms.
Insight
This emphasizes Pix’s role as a public utility aligned with the goal of financial inclusion, not market disruption.
Brazil might challenge tariffs in US courts, finance minister says
Brazil’s finance minister signaled plans to challenge 50% U.S. tariffs in court rather than in political forums.
Insight
Indicates a willingness to escalate trade disputes via legal channels, reflecting frustration with unilateral U.S. trade measures.
Brazil loan defaults hit highest level in nearly eight years
July loan default rates rose to 5.2%—the highest since November 2017—amid slowing credit growth and high borrowing costs.
Insight
Signals rising credit stress in the economy, potentially foreshadowing broader financial vulnerabilities.
National Bank of Canada’s profit rises on wealth management boost
National Bank of Canada’s Q3 profit rose to C$1.10 billion, supported by a 12% gain in wealth management revenue.
Insight
Highlights growing importance of wealth management for Canadian banks, especially amid lower loan loss provisions.
