Although poor social indicators and a low tax burden are a threat to the country's progress, for Fitch the Guatemalan economy has the capacity to overcome external adversities.
After the last visit of Fitch Ratings to Guatemala, representatives of the rating agency expressed the opinion that health, education and security indicators, together with the tax situation, are issues that should concern the country.
The State of the Nation 2018 Report explains that during 2017 and the first months of 2018 the progress of Costa Rica's economy has been adverse and, in the short term, the prospects for economic opportunities, solvency and stability are negative.
Most of the drivers of Costa Rica's economy have declined in recent months, resulting in Costa Rica going through a period of multiple economic and political risks.
In the first months of the year, the pace of economic activity, employment and bank credit have been slowing down, complicating Costa Rica's economic outlook in the coming months.
During the fourth month of the year, economic activity reported an interannual growth of 2.8%, an increase that is below the average growth rate of 3% reported in the last eight years. On top of this awards of bank loans went up 6% with respect to February 2017, half the rate it was growing at a year ago.
Salvadoran business owners point out that the main causes of the country's poor economic performance is still growing insecurity and a lack of a clear political course.
The Salvadoran business chambers agree that the beginning of the year has not been the best, since the obstacles that for several months have made it difficult to operate and grow private sector activities still remain.
The IMF noted the positive evolution of all the country's economic indicators, and the drastic fall in poverty, with an increase of 33% in per capita consumption.
From a press release issued by the IMF:
On January 28, 2016, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation1 with Nicaragua.
If Central America does not strengthen the institutions that ensure a stable legal framework and full respect for contracts, foreign investment will not come and national investment will go to other countries, no matter how many incentives and tax exemptions are offered.
When you look at Nicaragua without prejudice and without political bias, you can see a country which unlike before, offers good opportunities for investment.
EDITORIAL
Central America Viewed from Within
When you look at Nicaragua without prejudice and without political bias, you can see a country that offers good opportunities for investment.
At the end of June the credit portfolio of the banking system recorded an increase of 21.5%, with loans to the commercial sector, personal and industry seeing the most demand.
Despite being the smallest national bank in the Central America, it is the one that has reported the highest growth in its loan portfolio during 2014, growing by 21.55% at the end of the first half of 2014.
Although the product has remained steady in its level of potential, the country's economic prospects are not as promising due to the weakening of economic fundamentals.
From a statement issued by the International Monetary Fund (IMF):
This note summarizes preliminary findings and recommendations of the IMF staff mission that visited Costa Rica during October 28–November 11 to conduct the 2014 Article IV consultation.
The new government in El Salvador is keeping almost the same ministerial team as the Funes administration, ensuring the continued deterioration of the economy and lack of eligibility for investment.
EDITORIAL
Unfortunately "dedollarization" has been ruled out by the elected President Sanchez Ceren, which, as the next president lamented, implies that "you cant resort to a monetary policy." Our opinion is -on the contrary- that formal dollarization in force in El Salvador is a barrier to greater government fiscal outrages.
Stability and positive profitability levels are projected by the Central Bank for 2014.
The outlook for banking is stable and with a tendency towards moderate growth. "Profitability will remain positive," said Edgar Barquín, president of the Bank of Guatemala (Banguat).
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