
Brazil's Central Bank (BCB) Wednesday increased its benchmark interest rate (Selic) by 1.5 percentage points, reaching 10.75%, the first time in five years it hit double digits, amid a growing inflation and despite the consequences, this measure may have on economic growth.

Uruguay's currency keeps growing stronger against the US dollar, it was reported Wednesday in Montevideo after it closed at a rate of UR $ 43 / US $ 1.

Argentina's state-run oil company YPF announced a price increase of around 9% in the price of fuel at pumps as of Wednesday, with 2 additional percentage points in the case of premium products.

Argentina's representative to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Sergio Chodos Wednesday said in a radio interview the multinational body was concerned after Deputy Máximo Kirchner's resignation as majority leader, which might jeopardize the Congressional approval of the preliminary understanding reached last week.

The Union of Production Guilds Paraguay Wednesday said it foresaw 2022 will be a tough year for the agricultural sector due to the current drought which will mean, among other setbacks, the worst soybean harvest in the last 25 years, or US $ 2 billion less to the country's economy.

The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) published its annual financial statements for the financial year ending 30 June 2021. The statements have been reviewed by external auditors, Mazars LLP, who provided an unqualified and independent opinion that the documents present a true and fair view, and are free from material misstatement.

Argentina's Lower House Speaker Sergio Massa Tuesday said the ruling Frente de Todos (Everybody's Front - FdT) remained united and guaranteed the recent agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will get through Congress.

Uruguay's exports grew 31% in January of 2022 when compared to the same month last year, it was announced Tuesday in Montevideo. Beef topped the list of products sold abroad, reaching US$ 207 million.

Brazil's Economy Minister Paulo Guedes Tuesday said it was easier to eradicate poverty than to make gasoline cheaper. He also raised the possibility of cutting diesel taxes but was against creating a buffer fund.

By Ilan Goldfain, Anna Ivanova and Jorge Roldos (*) – Governments will need to combine fighting inflation with structural policies that reignite growth.