Slower recent GDP growth in Brazil (just 2.7% in 2011 against 7.5% in 2010) has been blamed on the lack of investment in infrastructure "the biggest and the single most important problem" in the region, David Beker of Bank of America Merrill Lynch tells the FT. However, this may be set to change.
A $60bn stimulus package was announced in August to improve Brazil's roads and railways over the next five years. This is a "positive sign that the government is moving from stimulating consumption to encouraging investment", says Joe Leahy in the FT.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Aberdeen Latin Americantop ten holdings
| Petroleo Brasileiro (Pref) ADR | 9.0 |
| Banco Bradesco (Pref) ADR | 8.6 |
| Vale | 8.4 |
| Itau Unibanco Holdings | 5.6 |
| Grupo Financiero Banorte | 4.1 |
| Multiplan Empreendimentos | 4.1 |
| Ultrapar Participacoes | 4.0 |
| FEMSA ADR | 3.8 |
| Lojas Renner | 3.7 |
| Tenaris ADR | 3.5 |
-
‘Inheritance tax insurance’ enquiries are soaring – but is it worth it?Premiums for whole of life insurance can run to £5,000 a month to cover a £300,000 inheritance tax bill, with policies costing more the older you take them out.
-
MPs warn over Lifetime ISAs which could leave savers out of pocketThe Treasury Committee has highlighted confusion around the Lifetime ISA withdrawal charge, which risks consumers losing “a significant part of their savings”
