Contributions from Carin Zissis
Shoppers flocked to stores over the weekend even as Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez warned companies against price increases. Caracas announced a devaluation of the bolivar in a move that sparked a rally on Venezuelan debt—as well as inflation worries.
Mexico rang in the New Year with a series of tax hikes in hopes of easing a budget deficit. The tax increases come as President Felipe Calderón kicks off the second half of his term with an ambitious political reform proposal.
From October 2009 through October 2010, seven presidential races are taking place in Latin America, with elections in Uruguay, Honduras, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Brazil. AS/COA offers an interactive guide to the results thus far and poll figures for elections yet to come.