"I don't wait for people to give me respect. I always give them respect." - Mariano Rivera (Former Panamanian MLB pitcher)

MARKETS

June 13, End Of Day

• Argentina
  • S&P MERVAL Index = 2,187,671.01 (YTD = -13.65%)
• Brazil
  • BOVESPA Index = 137,799.74 (YTD = 14.56%)
• Chile
  • S&P IPSA Chile = 4,306.64 (YTD = 19.14%)
• Colombia
  • MSCI COLCAP = 1,648.88 (YTD = 19.52%)
• Mexico
  • IPC Mexico BMV = 57,829.74 (YTD = 16.80%)
• Peru
  • S&P/BVL Peru = 32,634.48 (YTD = 12.68%)

BUSINESS

HDI Trends in Latin America

Latin America is facing a development slowdown. Despite decades of progress, the region’s Human Development Index (HDI) has stalled since the mid-2010s, and still hasn’t recovered from the shock of the pandemic.

Key Figures:

• HDI growth in Latam dropped from 0.7% (1990–2015) to just 0.2% annually since the pandemic.
• 1 in 4 people in Latam still lives in poverty; another 31% are vulnerable, hovering just above the poverty line.
• More than 50% of the population lacks the assets or safety nets to withstand even moderate shocks.
• Uncertainty in Latam is 50% higher than the global average, and more than double what it was in 1990.

The chart clearly shows how LAC’s HDI flatlined post-COVID, while very high HDI countries have resumed growth, widening the gap. If the region had stayed on its pre-2020 trajectory, it would be significantly ahead of current levels by 2025.

UNDP’s call to action: Reframe development with resilience at the core. That means:

• Strengthening public institutions and safety nets
• Tackling persistent inequality
• Investing in human capital and green transitions

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Colombia: Colombia has been elected to the UN Security Council for 2026–2027, receiving 180 votes from the General Assembly. It will represent Latin America and the Caribbean, marking its eighth time on the council. The government framed the win as recognition of its diplomatic leadership and peacebuilding efforts.

Ecuador: The IMF has reached a staff-level agreement with Ecuador to increase its loan program from $4 billion to $5 billion. The move aims to support economic stability amid external challenges. Final approval by the IMF board would trigger a new disbursement.

Peru: Peru, the world’s top blueberry exporter, is shifting its focus to China as U.S. tariffs threaten its primary export market. Producers like Valle y Pampa, which typically ship 60% of their crop to the U.S., are planning their first large-scale shipments to China this year. The new Chinese-owned port of Chancay slashes shipping times to Asia in half, making China an increasingly attractive destination as Peru looks to diversify amid trade tensions.

FURTHER READING

Check our recently published insights here.

🌏 China’s Growing Influence in Latin America

• Trade Surge – China is now South America’s top trading partner, with trade expected to exceed $700B by 2035.
• Strategic Assets – Major investments in ports, lithium, and energy signal deeper infrastructure and resource control.
• Military Ties & Space Assets – Arms sales, satellite stations, and intelligence links raise U.S. security concerns.

📖 Read more here.