Brazil’s Petrobras reports nearly $17bn in asset and corruption charges

Brazil’s state oil company Petróleo Brasileiro SA put a price tag on a corruption scandal that has thrown the country into political and economic turmoil, writing off $17bn due to losses from graft and overvalued assets. (Wall Street Journal)

Jamaica and US to discuss tax arrangements to encourage investors

Jamaica’s finance and planning minister, Peter Phillips, says the government is to engage in talks with the US government, aimed at reshaping its bilateral investment and tax arrangements in order to encourage more US investors to Jamaica. (Curaçao Chronicle)

Puerto Rico officials warn government shutdown imminent

Puerto Rico’s top finance officials said the government of the US territory will likely shutdown in three months because of a looming liquidity crisis and warned of a devastating impact on the island’s economy. (Reuters)

Venezuela ‘receives $5bn in finance from China’

Venezuela has received $5bn (£3.4bn) in financing from China, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says. (BBC)

Mexico prices fall more than forecast in early April on power

Mexico consumer prices fell more than expected in the first half of April, as the government phased in electricity discounts and pressure from a weaker currency remained limited. (Bloomberg)