While the outlook for markets remains uncertain, experts look to Latin America’s economic growth in recent years as a factor in how the region may weather a global economic storm.

Caracas began the year by knocking zeros off its currency, but experts say the move won’t keep inflation in check.  A cabinet shuffle and the currency change came a month after voters rejected an overhaul of the constitution.

South American heads of state converged in Buenos Aires Sunday for the launch of Banco del Sur, a project hatched by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. The bank's birth marked Argentine head of state Nestor Kirchner's last day in office before the inauguration of his wife, Cristina. During a September AS/COA event, she discussed Argentina's economic recovery.

AS/COA hosted its second annual Latin American Cities Conference in Lima, focusing on Peru's investment climate, energy and mining policy outlook, trade policy and prospects, and APEC Peru 2008. 

Despite concerns over the impact of U.S. housing market troubles on the global economy, solid growth has been forecasted for Latin America's real estate sector as it draws foreign investors. At a recent AS/COA discussion forum, experts focused on how global market volatility could affect Latin American economies.

Chile is a competitive alternative to India for information technology services, according to speakers at a recent program co-hosted with the Chilean Economic Development Agency.

The senator and presidential candidate addressed prominent business and public sector leaders at an AS/COA luncheon held in New York (en español).