IMF estimates Argentine economy will contract 0.3% this year and expand 0.1% in 2016

The International Monetary Fund cut its growth estimates for Argentina for this year forecasting a 0.3% contraction followed by a shy recovery of 0.1% in 2016, the first post-Kirchner year. (Merco Press)

Latin America economic slowdown could be permanent without reforms, World Bank says

The World Bank said that the economic slowdown in Latin America could become ‘permanent’ if structural reforms are not made to adapt the growth model to an international scenario. (Latin America Herald Tribune)

Obama offers $20m in energy aid to Caribbean nations

President Barack Obama met with Caribbean leaders in Jamaica on Thursday, offering $20m in funding to advance green energy investments in a region long dependent on oil from economically troubled Venezuela. (The Wall Street Journal)

Brazil’s Rousseff under pressure after party treasurer jailed

Brazilian police arrested the treasurer of the ruling Workers’ Party Joao Vaccari, moving an investigation of rampant corruption at state-run oil company Petrobras closer to President Dilma Rousseff's inner circle. (Reuters)

Faced with faltering economy, Mexican government slashes arts funding

As the US economy has picked up steam in the last few years, falling oil prices and a stronger dollar have left the peso floundering. (Hyperallergic)