Violent crime cost Brazil 258 billion Reais (about 100 billion dollars) in 2013, a figure equivalent to 5.4% of the country's GDP, according to the new Brazilian Public Safety Annual Report, in which it is stated that an average of six people died in police operations each day during the year.
Uruguay expects a slowing down of cruise activity this season, probably in the range of 10% less vessel calls, particularly in Punta del Este, because of logistics problems with the circuits. However this will be partly compensated by the two Costa Cruise company vessels that will be operating from Montevideo as the starting point and end of South Atlantic tours.
The Gherkin, one of the most distinctive buildings on London's skyline, has been bought by a Brazilian billionaire. Joseph Safra is reported to have paid more than £700m for the 180 meter tower, which is officially known as 30 St Mary Axe, its street address.
New York District judge Thomas Griesa has authorized Citibank to complete the transfer of 85 million dollars to holders of restructured Argentine bonds under Argentine law, meeting debt services that expire on December 31.
A major new Series on health and ageing, published in The Lancet, warns that unless health systems find effective strategies to address the problems faced by an ageing world population, the growing burden of chronic disease will greatly affect the quality of life of older people.
A recorded conversation between an apologetic Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher over the invasion of Grenada has been published for the first time. Baroness Thatcher was angered that she was not consulted before the US invaded a Commonwealth state.
UK Minister for Latin America, Hugo Swire, spoke of the growing presence of UK in Latin America and more specifically on the expanding links with Paraguay. Minister Swire said UK was determined to deepen its commercial ties with a rising Latin America and described Paraguay as a perfect trade and investment partner for UK, particularly since British oil industry has struck oil in the Chaco region.
Venezuela needs a 'major social agreement' to adjust its economy and overcome the current and persistent political conflicts in the country, said Ernesto Samper, chairman of Unasur (Union of South American Nations) during a visit to Brasilia.
The Mercosur parliament, Parlasur, in a special Monday session held in Montevideo, rejected British 'control' over the Falklands/Malvinas Islands and described the situation as a colonial conflict of 'global' proportion which threatens the region.
Regulators have approved a long-awaited plan to connect the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges. The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect will allow investors to trade across the border for the first time and is set to begin on 17 November.