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In the midst of a year of global uncertainty, both due to economic and geopolitical factors, Latam has shown a particular resilience that has manifested itself in the appreciation of its currencies and the reduction of its risk premiums.

The Brazilian economy has been losing momentum, reinforcing deceleration prospects. GDP is expected to slow to 2.2% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026, helping inflation ease to 4.8% by end-2025 and 3.7% by end-2026, paving the way for a monetary easing cycle from early 2026.

Global uncertainty, especially on geopolitical and commercial issues, has been creating a complex and atypical environment for Latin America in 2025. This has led to high market volatility, caution from monetary policy, and broader than normal ranges when forecasting economic variables.

Domestic demand remains strong, despite some recent signs of moderation. However, the lagged effects of sharp monetary tightening—now mostly over—along with less expansionary fiscal policy and a less supportive global backdrop are expected to pave the way for a deceleration of both GDP growth and inflation.

The last months of 2024 gave some glimpses of the challenges Latam could face in the coming years. However, looking beyond the first quarter of 2025, some—albeit not all—of these warning signs have faded.

GDP growth is expected to slow to 1.6% in 2025 and 1.8% in 2026, following three years of around 3% growth. The slowdown will be driven by tighter monetary conditions, a weaker fiscal impulse, and a less favorable global context, though the primary sector and labor market resilience will provide support.

The last two years in Latin America have been marked by differences in macroeconomic policy strategies. Chile and Peru have made significant interest rate reductions as their inflation has allowed. Meanwhile, Colombia and Mexico are more reluctant to implement significant reductions in their rates.