Standardised coverage and timely analysis helping you to understa...
Standardised coverage and timely analysis helping you to understand the economic drivers, including GDP, external trade, consumption and leading indicators such as business and consumer confidence, underpinning consumer markets.
Colombia’s GDP growth slowed to 1.3% in real terms in 2023, due to a decline in investment and exports, although private and public spending increased. Colombia’s trade sector experienced a downturn during the year, with both exports and imports…
In 2023, Chile’s economy contracted by 0.3%, due to sluggish private spending, gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) and exports, despite a rise in public consumption. However, projections for 2024 are for GDP growth of 1.7%, driven by robust exports,…
Despite an economic slowdown in 2023, Mexico’s economy outperformed the Latin American average, supported by relatively strong domestic demand and ongoing nearshoring investments. However, a further deceleration is anticipated in 2024, owing to a…
The report examines the economic landscape of Venezuela and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade and government finance. The economy expanded in real terms in 2023, driven by private consumption, government spending,…
In 2023, Brazil’s GDP growth decelerated slightly, to 2.9%, but outperformed the Latin American average, driven by robust domestic demand. Furthermore, the country’s inflation rate fell to 4.6%, due to high interest rates and lower commodity prices.…
Ecuador’s GDP grew by 1.5% in real terms in 2023. Among positive developments, private and public spending increased, supporting economic activity in the country. However, the economy was hindered by sluggish gross fixed capital formation and…
Argentina’s economy contracted in 2023, as a result of sluggish private spending, hyperinflation and high interest rates, leading to a rise in poverty. The country’s inflation rate surged, largely due to currency depreciation and the removal of price…
The report examines the economic landscape of Uruguay and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade and government finance. The economy expanded in real terms in 2023, driven by private consumption, government spending.…
The report examines the economic landscape of Paraguay and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade and government finance. The economy expanded in real terms in 2023, driven by exports, private consumption, government…
The report examines the economic landscape of Panama and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade and government finance. The economy expanded in real terms in 2023, driven by private consumption, government spending,…
The report examines the economic landscape of Costa Rica and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade and government finance. The economy expanded in real terms in 2023, driven by exports, private consumption, government…
The report examines the economic landscape of Honduras and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade and government finance. The economy expanded in real terms in 2023, driven by private consumption, government spending.…
The report examines the economic landscape of Guatemala and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade and government finance. The economy expanded in real terms in 2023, driven by private consumption, government spending,…
The report examines the economic landscape of El Salvador and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade and government finance. The economy expanded in real terms in 2023, driven by private consumption, government spending.…
The report examines the economic landscape of Bolivia and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade and government finance. The economy expanded in real terms in 2023, driven by private consumption. However global economic…
This briefing provides a global perspective of the key trends occurring in cities over 2018 -2023. It goes on to provide forecast data and insights for cities over 2024-2040, covering areas such as the economic, population and consumer spending…
Suriname remains among the ‘repressed’ countries in economic freedom ranking. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the economy, which has also suffered from currency devaluation causing a spike in inflation. Whilst the…
Although political instability and corruption continue to be themes in Peru, economic freedom is the third best in South America. Inflation is falling, but the economy is slowing and copper exports could be hindered further, whilst uncertainty in the…
Global growth is set to slow in 2024 as a result of high cost pressures for businesses and consumers, especially high interest rates. Asia Pacific will continue to stand out as the main global growth region while advanced economies decelerate.…
Trinidad and Tobago is wealthy and stable; however, it is held back by a weak judiciary and high levels of corruption. Real GDP growth slowly recovered to pre pandemic pace, but oil and gas reserves will soon expire, hampering future growth. The…
St Vincent and the Grenadines enjoy political stability and low levels of corruption, but crime is rising. A small population that is hardly growing diminishes the appeal of the consumer market, whilst the populace is also ageing. Internet use is…
St Lucia’s stable and democratic island is challenged by endemic corruption and worsening labour freedoms. Economic growth recovered to pre-pandemic pace, but attempts at diversification need ramping up. Consumer expenditure is rising, but poverty…
St. Kitts and Nevis, a dual-island nation in the Caribbean, showcases political stability within a parliamentary democracy. Its economy hinges on tourism, agriculture, and a citizenship-by-investment program driving foreign investment. The country…
Support from France is crucial to the development of French Guiana, but while the relationship is generally cooperative, instances where tensions arise happen. The country has a strong space industry. Population growth will be strong, but it is…
The US Virgin Islands has a good regulatory environment, which fosters business development. However, a lack of representation in the US is creating frustration amongst islanders. The economy is heavily dependent on tourism and post-pandemic recovery…
Puerto Rico, a US territory, grapples with economic challenges such as high unemployment and debt amid debates about its political status. Culturally diverse, the island faces social issues like poverty and emigration. Yet, initiatives in technology,…
An authoritarian regime using violence has reduced peace in Nicaragua and caused political instability. Consequently, the economy has suffered a prolonged recession, which has been exacerbated by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A major trade…
Although Martinique does not suffer from undue corruption, its political environment has been prone to secessionist tendencies. Given that the economy is highly dependent on tourism, its recovery from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic remains slow.…
Although generally stable and democratic, Jamaica is failing to control organised crime and corruption. Economic growth swiftly returned after the pandemic, but the country is over-reliant on the US. Consumer expenditure is growing, but ageing,…
Haiti suffers from considerable political instability and corruption is rife. Economic development will be severely hindered in the short term, owing to the devastation caused by the 2021 earthquake and the unstable political landscape, with…
The British Virgin Islands’ (BVI) tax haven status is damaging the territory’s reputation and could lead to political instability. Economic performance is likely to outpace peers in the short term, owing to tourism recovery and strength in financial…
Technological advances in 2024 will continue to reshape consumer behaviour. This annual report explores the top five digital shopper trends that will redefine commerce the most in the year ahead. Some of the trends included in this report’s edition…
Although government finances improved in El Salvador, the state continues to exhibit authoritarian tendencies and corruption remains an issue. Whilst inflation has fallen, economic momentum is moderating and the country’s high dependence on…
Dominica enjoys relative political stability but whilst corruption is not a major problem, it has permeated the executive branch of government. Considerable dependence on agriculture and an underdeveloped tourism sector will lead to economic…
As one of the most ‘repressed’ countries globally, the autocratic communist regime is also creating social tensions. US sanctions continue to wreak havoc with the path of economic development, whilst Cubans leaving the country surge amid economic…
Chile enjoys economic freedom and relatively low corruption, which has helped its private sector to develop, although political instability remains. The economy is slowing down markedly, as copper production is impeded, and unemployment is relatively…
The Cayman Islands benefit from political stability, but their position as a secretive financial offshore centre raises incidences of corruption. Tourism is the main economic activity, which has been negatively impacted by the pandemic yet aided…
Anguilla enjoys political stability and low corruption levels, with relatively high trust in the government. Its economy was severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, given its substantial exposure to tourism. However, the country…
Bermuda has a stable political environment. However, state finances are stretched and could be further pressurised by a rapidly-ageing populace. The economy is expected to outperform peers in the short term, supported by solid activity in the…
Belize’s future remains uncertain, given claims over its territory, whilst corruption is rife. Substantial exposure to tourism could aid the economic rebound from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but foreign investment prospects remain bright.…
Barbados enjoys political stability and is relatively free of corruption. Its break from the Commonwealth could destabilise this institution in the long term. Economic activity has been severely curtailed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, given…
Limited taxation enables The Bahamas to enjoy relative economic freedom, but state finances are deteriorating. Significant exposure to tourism and adverse weather could scupper economic development in the short term, whilst unemployment is high. A…
Aruba has a stable political environment with solid governance. However, perceptions of corruption are rising on the island. As one of the most dependent territories on tourism in the world, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has ravaged the economy…
Antigua and Barbuda has autonomy over its political affairs. However, the country is prone to corruption and suffers from high public debt. The country swiftly recovered from the pandemic-related economic downturn, thanks to rebounding tourism.…
A weak rule of law and endemic corruption hamper economic freedom in Paraguay, although the tax burden remains very low and government finances are sustainable. In the medium term, the economy will outperform the regional average and inflation has…
Violence mars Honduran society and economic freedom, although state finances continued to improve. Economic momentum is slowing, as exports and remittances growth slow, but lower inflation will ease the pressure on households. Whilst the population…
Corruption undermines economic freedom in Panama and protests have been widespread, although state finances are strengthening. Economic momentum has slowed, but foreign investment is increasing and the Panama Canal continues to play an important role…
Stability and less corruption than peers are cornerstones of Uruguay’s political environment, whilst economic freedom is one of the best regionally. Drought will weigh on short-term economic development, owing to high dependence on agriculture, but…
This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in Q4 2023 and 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence remains among the key economies. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of…
The global economy is facing weaker growth and increasing fragmentation, as a result of rising geopolitical tensions, especially due to the war in Ukraine and the US-China strategic rivalry. Protectionism, industrial policy and a focus on resilience…