While Portugal has moved out of recession – just – its recovery seems tentative at best. Its economy minister, however, is optimistic about the country's future, and tells Silvia Pavoni that its strong exports to countries outside of the eurozone in particular point to better times ahead.
Cross-border trade bodies in the Americas have a variable record, with critics rounding on the likes of Mercosur or even the new Trans-Pacific Partnership. However, the Pacific Alliance – largely driven by the private sectors of Chile, Peru, Colombia and Mexico – appears to be showing how such bodies can work effectively.
London has come out on top in its annual battle with New York to be named the world's leading international financial centre. Beyond the behemoths, however, the big story comes from Latin America, where Mexico City has jumped 15 places to crown an impressive year for the financial hub.
The UK's relationship with the EU has rarely been harmonious, but in recent years the heavy-handed regulations and onerous taxes perceived to be emanating from Brussels have seen this marriage teeter perilously close to divorce. A referendum could be called in the UK in 2017 regarding its EU membership, but how would the country – and London in particular – look should the vote call for a permanent separation?
The finance minister of Peru has every reason to be satisfied given the country's continued economic growth. However, as he tells The Banker, a new reform package aimed at beefing up its capital markets and making the country more business-friendly are designed to ensure that this growth is built to last.
Brasil Plural is a relative newcomer to the financial markets, but has already played an important part in the world’s biggest initial public offering of 2013, to date. However, as Brazil's economy slows, will the bank's diverse approach help it to maintain its early momentum?
Bank earnings across the Caribbean are down, as the region's lenders continue to struggle against a difficult economic backdrop. But there are still some bright spots, with a handful of banks managing to boost their asset base and retain impressive profitability.