Bloomberg Línea — The IMF has announced the renewal of Colombia’s flexible credit line for a further two years, and said the decision was made after an analysis of the country’s political and macroeconomic context. After an analysis of the country’s presidential candidates, the lender also expressed confidence in the country’s next president maintaining macroeconomic stability following the elections, the first round of which is scheduled for May 29.
Formal job creation in Mexico lost steam in April, following two months of strong gains, with only 5,490 formal jobs added in April, compared with 64,566 jobs added in March.
The region’s stock markets closed with losses, led by the S&P BVL Peru index (SPBLPGPT), which sank more than 6%, impacted by the volatility of international markets and the uncertainty generated in Peru following the approval of a bill to allow further withdrawals of pension savings.
Following is a roundup of Thursday’s news from Bloomberg Línea and Bloomberg reporters across Latin America.
Argentina:
- In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg Linea, Glauber Mota, CEO of British fintech Revolut in Brazil, talks about the company’s plans to grow in Latin America, with thousands of potential clients in Argentina having signed onto a waiting list to access the company’s services when it launches in the country.
Bolivia:
- A scandal is brewing in Bolivia over stolen cars brought into the country from Chile, allegedly involving colluded authorities, with senior Bolivian police officers having been relieved of their duties, while Bolivian and Chilean authorities are to launch a bilateral investigation into the illegal imports.
Brazil:
- Amid the challenging local investment scenario and with Brazilian investors learning to increasingly diversify their portfolio, XP Inc.(XP) announced Thursday it will enter into direct foreign investment.
Chile:
- With just days to go before a vote possibly changes the ground rules for Chile’s giant copper mines, the president of Minerals Americas at BHP Group is hopeful for the future of an industry that accounts for more than half of the country’s exports.
Colombia:
- For the International Monetary Fund, Colombia’s presidential candidates offer conditions under which the country’s macroeconomic stability could be maintained after the elections, the first round of which takes place on May 29. Hamid Faruqee, head of the IMF mission in Colombia told Bloomberg Línea that the decision to extend the country’s flexible credit for a further two years was made after an analysis of the country’s political and macroeconomic context.
Dominican Republic:
- Four new air routes are to begin operating from the Dominican Republic, following the awarding of more permits by the civil aviation authorities, between Punta Cana and three Venezuelan cities, and between Santo Domingo and Havana, as well as Santo Domingo-Madrid.
Ecuador:
- Exports of Ecuadorian shrimp to Thailand are to resume, following the agreement on safety and biosecurity protocols, with 36 Ecuadorian companies expected to resume exports to the country.
Guatemala:
- Guatemala’s President Alejandro Giammattei welcomed his Mexican counterpart, Andrés Manuel López Obrador on Thursday, who is making his first stop on a tour of Central America, with the two leaders expected to discuss border security and trade cooperation.
Mexico:
- Formal job creation in Mexico lost steam in April, following two months of strong gains, with only 5,490 formal jobs added in April, compared with 64,566 jobs added in March.
