Stormy economic weather in Argentina and Brazil, which account for 70% of total passengers, is the leading factor behind the fall in cruise revenues.  Economists debate the options for dealing with the Vultures. 

Biodiversity could be the “linchpin” of Colombian technological development while Costa Rica stands out as the best destination in the Americas for service outsourcing. 

It is hoped that the new director of Governance, Risk and Compliance will help renew confidence in Petrobras, though the World Band has it doubts. 

Brazil has targeted Petrobras contractors as its corruption probe expands. 

Argentina has a plan to bypass the vulture funds.  Economy minister Axel Kicillof has praised the results of a recent debt swap. 

Economic mega projects are among the largest producers of social conflicts in the country.  Groups affected have reported imprisonment and murder.  And 2014 closed with a good deal of pessimism about Mexico’s economy. 

Thousands of Guatemalans living abroad and foreign visitors send money. 

The economic growth that Panama has had in recent years seems to have had little impact on the economy of Panamanian households. 

The growth outlook for the Mexican economy in the short term remains subject to significant risks, said the International Monetary Fund.  The defeated PSDB presidential candidate in Brazil says he and his party got it right. 

The administration in Argentina points to its efforts to strengthen “media pluralism”; a newly reopened market in Havana struggles to get up to speed; and household consumption in Brazil fell by 0.9% in November.