Mexico is well positioned for any global recovery

Aiming high: Well-capitalised banks such as Banamex are giving cause for optimism over Mexico's futureAiming high: Well-capitalised banks such as Banamex are giving cause for optimism over Mexico's future

Mexico's ties to the US economy, its well-capitalised banks and the business-friendly reforms it has in the pipeline mean the country is perfectly positioned to ride the wave of any global economic recovery. Optimism is such, that there is even talk of the country being classified alongside the BRIC economies. Writer Silvia Pavoni

Bond boom fires up Latin America

Gerdau steel plant in Brazil: issued a $1.25bn investment grade bond in NovemberGerdau steel plant in Brazil: issued a $1.25bn investment grade bond in November

With bank lending drying up last year, many Latin American corporates turned to the bond market to strengthen their cash positions. The resulting boom has instilled a sense of confidence in the region, with firms in Brazil, Mexico and Colombia leading the way. Writer Jason Mitchell

Central Bank Governor of the Year 2010 - Global & Latin America

The Banker toasts the talents of the world's top central bank governors whose leadership has been at the forefront of the battle to contain the global financial crisis.

A ray of light for Mexico

Although Mexico's exports and remittances are in decline, its oil production and tourism sectors weakened and unemployment rising, the country's banking industry entered the global crisis in good shape and may be able to provide the credit needed to reactivate the economy. Writer Jane Monahan

Agustin Carstens

Agustin Carstens, Mexico's finance ministerAgustin Carstens, Mexico's finance minister

Mexico's finance minister discusses the country's close relationship with the US, and whether the banking sector should play a bigger role in reactivating Mexico's stuttering economy. Writer Jane Monahan

Mexican banks put in a steady shift

Despite the international financial troubles and its shrinking economy, Mexico's banking sector presents a relatively stable and optimistic picture. Assets in its top five banks grew on average by 50% in 2008, and although profitability has significantly declined these banks all closed the last financial year in profit.

Brazilian merger shuffles Latin American pack

The top Latin American banks are, as usual, headed by Brazilian lenders. And it is in Brazil that the biggest growth story took place last year. Banco Itaú and Unibanco merged in November 2008, forming the largest bank in the country.

A different kind of support

Luciano Coutinho, BNDES presidentLuciano Coutinho, BNDES president

National development banks in Latin America such as Brazil's BNDES and Mexico's Nafinsa are playing an important role in keeping funds flowing in the region, but there is a danger of them being over-stretched. Writer Jane Monahan

Silence deafening in Mexican markets

Mexico’s equity markets have succumbed to global malaise and recovery will depend less on commodity prices, as is the case for most of Latin America, and more on improved debt markets and a US recovery. Writer John Rumsey.

Better prepared to defy the storms

Given the lessons learnt during the Tequila Crisis of the mid-1990s, analysts and bankers are positive about Mexico’s ability to survive, and even thrive, during current worldwide economic turbulence. Writer Theresa Braine.

Survival tools at the ready

This time, Mexico looks as though it is prepared for the downturn of the US economy. Monica Campbell reports.

Tax make or break

Agustín Carstens, Mexico’s finance minister

Brian Caplen reports on Mexico’s plans to build on its financial stability and raise pitiful tax take levels.

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