Via Emerging Markets Insight, a look at Latin America:

Multinationals are taking note of the strength of the Andean economies of Colombia and Peru, but the increasingly negative outlook in Argentina and Brazil is weighing down growth in the region.  Stagnating industrial output and diminishing consumer demand in Brazil led economists to trim economic growth expectations to less than 3% for 2012. The race for the Mexican presidency heats up as PRI candidate Enrique Peña Nieto maintains a steady lead heading into the July election. Meanwhile, the race for Venezuela’s presidency in October is underway contributing to market uncertainty as president Chavez registers to run for a third term despite his poor health.

For a more detailed insight on key trends in Latin America, here are the analyst headlines for our key markets:

• Argentina:A thriving black market for dollars and widespread withdrawals from local banks signal a growing belief that boom times are over
• Brazil: Multinationals are facing increasing headwinds as the effectiveness of government stimulus falls short of expectations and credit markets soften
• Chile: Higher-than-expected export growth is keeping Chile’s economy buoyant, but protests continue to mar President Piñera’s government
• Colombia:Colombia’s potential is no longer a secret, but popularity brings a pricey peso that is eroding competitiveness
• Mexico: Multinationals look to Mexico as a safe haven to weather the European storm
• Peru: Stellar performance is only somewhat dimmed by concern over tax reform increasing the cost of doing business in Peru
• Venezuela: Oil-fueled spending is succeeding at supporting higher growth this year, but Chavez’s poor health is creating political uncertainty