Latin America Outlook 2Q18 - PDF Free Download

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 1 Latin America Outlook 2Q18 April

Key messages Global growth remains robust., although uncertainty is increasing. US fiscal stimulus may underpin progress in other areas too, but protectionist measures pose a risk Latin America maintains its recovery amidst external turbulence. Global growth will increase from 1.2% in, to 1.4% in and 2.5% in. We have revised our growth forecast for downward in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay due to the drought, and in Peru as a result of political noise. We have revised expectations for Chile upward due to higher copper prices and increased business confidence The cycle of interest rate cuts will come to an end in South America in the second quarter. The exception is Argentina, where they will fall again as inflation continues to slow. In Mexico, interest rates will remain stable to late, when cuts will begin The main external risks center on protectionism (increased) and on China (lesser than three months ago). On the domestic front, political noise and the possible delay in public and private investment is an upside risk in a number of countries

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 3 Contents 01 Global environment 02 Latin America

01 Global environment BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 4

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 5 Global growth remains but risks intensify 01 Steady global momentum remains Supported by the recovery of trade and investment 02 Economic policies underpin the cyclical recovery The US fiscal stimulus can support other areas 03 Greater financial volatility The unusual low-volatility environment is now past 04 Normalization of central banks monetary policy Somewhat faster than expected in the Fed, while the ECB has already taken its first steps 05 Uncertain effect of US protectionist measures The direct effect of approved measures is not very large, but it may presage more aggressive measures 06 Global risks Increasing in the short-run by a possible escalation of protectionist measures

Mar-13 Sep-13 Mar-14 Sep-14 Mar-15 Sep-15 Mar-16 Sep-16 Mar-17 Sep-17 Mar-18 BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 6 The global economy is expected to grow firmly in 1Q18, at rates similar to those of most of last year (1% quarterly) World GDP growth (Forecasts based on BBVA-GAIN, % QoQ) 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6 Global growth is continuing, buoyed by the recovery in investment and trade Private consumption is softening, but remains a positive factor for the advanced economies and is gaining momentum in emerging economies Confidence indicators remain at high levels, but show signs of dampening 0.4 CI of 20% CI of 40% CI of 60% Average for period Grow th estimate Source: BBVA Research

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 7 The upward revision of US growth forecasts, due to fiscal stimulus, could add further support to the recovery in other areas Impact of the fiscal stimulus in the US on growth (pp) 0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20 0.15 The larger effect would be in, especially in the eurozone This support could offset some headwinds in other areas (political uncertainty in Latam or higher global volatility) The weakness of the dollar could mitigate the positive impact of higher US demand 0.10 0.05 0.00 US Eurozone Latam Source: BBVA Research

Mar-13 Sep-13 Mar-14 Sep-14 Mar-15 Sep-15 Mar-16 Sep-16 Mar-17 Sep-17 Mar-18 BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 8 Financial tensions are beginning to reflect a less accommodating environment VIX and BBVA Research financial tension (%) 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0-0.5 40 30 20 10 0 Concerns about inflation (US) and protectionism have led to higher volatility and stock market correction The contagion effect is limited, but it will depend on the persistence of the current shock Markets are unlikely to be as complacent with uncertainty as in -1.0-10 -1.5-20 Developed (left) Emerging (left) VIX (right) Source: BBVA Research based on Bloomberg

Jan-08 Sep-08 May-09 Jan-10 Sep-10 May-11 Jan-12 Sep-12 May-13 Jan-14 Sep-14 May-15 Jan-16 Sep-16 May-17 Jan-18 Sep-18 May-19 BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 9 Financial conditions will be less accommodating Global financial conditions* (% and change in billion dollars) 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 2.500 2.000 1.500 1.000 500 0-500 -1.000 As central banks will reduce their balance sheets and interest rates gradually increase volatility shocks could be more frequent and persistent More cautious investor mood Central banks assets Short-term rates Long-term rates (*) Short and long term interest rates, average yield of German and US bonds over 3 months and 10 years. Includes assets on t he balance sheets of the Fed, ECB, BoE and the BoJ Source: BBVA Research based on Fed, ECB, BoE and BoJ

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 10 The risk of protectionist escalation creates uncertainty about the global economic outlook US imports of steel and aluminium and export share by country (billion USD, % of total exports) 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 2.9 0.7 0.2 0.5 0.9 0.1 1.2 0.3 0.7 CAN MEX EU KOR RUS CHN BRA JAP UAE Steel The v alue shown represents the % of the total exports of each country Aluminium US tariffs on steel and aluminum have a small direct impact on activity: They represent only a small share of total exports Exemption for many countries until May The greatest negative impact may come from indirect effects and possible reaction of the countries concerned The mutual tariff increase between the US and China (25%, 50bn USD in ): Larger effect: 38% exports to China (3% of the total US exports) and 11% of exports to the US (2% of the total chinese exports) They can only be the beginning of a major escalation Source: BBVA Research

Further Fed rate hikes due to better economic outlook BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 11 USA: Intervention rate (%) 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 Fed is likely to increase rates by further 75bp this year and 50bp in Monetary conditions will remain accommodative, with real interest rates close to zero 1.0 0.5 0.0-0.5-1.0 Nominal Real Source: BBVA Research, based onfed and BEA

ECB is making progress to QE without causing any strain BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 12 QE The QE will end in Monthly purchases of assets (30bn EUR) up to September Interest Rates As we approach the end of QE, the focus shifts to the rate hikes: when and at what pace Purchases withdrawal between September and December But the ECB will remain in debt markets: reinvestment of maturities The challenge for the ECB is to manage the interest rate expectations (forward guidance) Key points in crisis exit: Long rates and risk premiums Exchange rate (EUR) Rate hike expectations

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 13 Revised upwards in the USA and downwards in South America USA 2.8 2.8 Mexico Euro zone 2.3 1.8 China 6.3 6.0 2.0 2.2 South America 1.2 2.6 Turkey 4.5 4.3 World Up Unchanged Down 3.8 3.8 Source: BBVA Research

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 14 USA: Higher growth on new budget deal USA: GDP growth (% YoY) 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 1.5 2.3 2.8 2.8 2016 Moderate impact of the new fiscal stimulus in the short term as the economy approached full employment without measures to support a significant increase in potential growth The favourable global environment and strong domestic demand complement the positive impact of higher public spending (upward revision 0.2 and 0.3pp in -19) Inflation is likely to temporarily exceed the Fed's target, but will remain contained Current Previous (f) Forecast Source: BBVA Research based on BEA (Bureau of Economic Analysis)

China: Growth holds well while policy uncertainty abates BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 15 China: GDP growth (% YoY) 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 6.7 6.9 6.3 6.0 The strength of credit and exports allowed the economy to stabilize in 1Q18 Forecast unchanged: growth moderation in due to more prudent economic policy Increasing probability of implementing structural reforms in the medium term and addressing financial vulnerabilities 2.0 1.0 Increasing protectionism threatens the sustainability of exports 0.0 Current 2016 Previous (f) Forecast Source: BBVA Research based on CEIC

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 16 Eurozone: Small upward revision for despite recent softer data Eurozone: GDP growth (% YoY) 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.8 2.5 2.3 1.8 Stronger exports, supported by increased global demand, help maintain momentum in Lower domestic demand contribution, although domestic fundamentals remain strong Core inflation will continue to rise gradually, but clearly below 2%. 1.0 Recovery is widespread in most countries, but the problem of low potential growth persists 0.5 0.0 Current 2016 Previous (f) Forecast Source: BBVA Research based on Eurostat

Probability in the short term BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 17 Global risks: Turning again towards the US. The protectionism threat (with potential global range) joins to the Fed s exit risk CHINA Deleveraging risk more contained in the short term, coexisting with a slower than expected GDP moderation Potential negative outcome derived from increased protectionist rhetoric USA EZ CHINA USA Protectionism risk increases after recent measures Political controversy risk despite fiscal stimulus Signs of overvaluation in certain assets Fed exit risks: tighter monetary policy in response to a transitory spike in inflation (without demand support). Risk of sell-off in bonds Severity EUROZONE Political concerns increase following Italian elections outcome Italy: uncertainty on the Government formation, and risk of a populist / heterodox government contrarian to European project Brexit: uncertainty on negotiations outcome ECB s exit risk is low, but will require monitoring the risk of a faster normalization Source: BBVA Research

1Q2014 3Q2014 1Q2015 3Q2015 1Q2016 3Q2016 1Q 3Q 1Q 3Q 1Q 3Q 1Q2020 3Q2020 1Q2014 3Q2014 1Q2015 1Q2014 3Q2014 1Q2015 3Q2015 1Q2016 3Q2016 1Q 3Q 1Q 3Q 1Q 3Q 1Q2020 3Q2020 3Q2015 1Q2016 3Q2016 1Q 3Q 1Q 1Q2014 3Q2014 1Q2015 3Q2015 1Q2016 3Q2016 1Q 3Q 1Q 3Q 1Q 3Q 1Q2020 3Q2020 3Q 1Q 3Q 1Q2020 3Q2020 The increase in commodity prices continues, driven mainly by demand BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 18 Brent Crude (US$ per barrel) Soybeans (US$ per metric tonne) Copper (US$ per lb.) 110 110 550 3.2 90 90 500 450 3.0 2.8 70 70 400 2.6 2.4 50 50 350 2.2 30 30 300 2.0 Forecasts - April Forecast January Source: BBVA Research and Bloomberg The price of oil settled at between US$60 and US$65 a barrel. Global growth will support crude oil prices, but the expected increase in output will cause the price to move towards US$60 a barrel in the medium term We continue to anticipate a price correction for copper as speculative positions are reduced. The price of soybeans will continue to rise in view of the effects of the drought in producer areas of South America

02 Latin America BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 19

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 20 Latin American financial markets resilient to rising volatility in developed markets The price of financial assets: percentage change over the past three months to 18 April* 25 20 15 10 5 0 The prices of the main financial assets have not been overly affected despite international tension, political noise in the region and NAFTA negotiations Factors behind the resilience Growth recovery Higher raw material prices -5-10 -15-20 ARG BRA CHI COL MEX PAR PER URU Stock Market Risk Premium Exchange Rate Source: BBVA Research, Haver Analytics and DataStream *Changes between 31 December of and 18 April of. Exchange rate: domestic currency / dollar. In this case, increases indicate depreciation. Country risk premium: EMBI.

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 21 Gradual depreciation of exchange rates in and in most countries Exchange rates against the dollar (Dec 2016 index = 100. Increase indicates depreciation against the dollar) 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 Moderate depreciation of exchange rates looking forward, within a context of: Fed raising interest rates in contrast to cuts in Latin America Lower raw material prices The exception is Argentina, where greater inflationary presence will drive depreciation at a faster rate than in the rest of the region 80 ARG BRA CHI COL MEX PAR PER URU The Mexican peso could appreciate in if the risks regarding NAFTA negotiations and the elections do not materialise Observed Forecast Source: BBVA Research, Haver Analytics and DataStream *Changes between 31 December and 5 April. Exchange rate: domestic currency / dollar. In this case, increases indicate depreciation. Country risk premium: EMBI.

Jan-16 Jul-16 Jan-17 Jul-17 Mar-18 Jan-16 Jul-16 Jan-17 Jul-17 Mar-18 Jan-16 Jul-16 Jan-17 Jul-17 Mar-18 Jan-16 Jul-16 Jan-17 Jul-17 Mar-18 Jan-16 Jul-16 Jan-17 Jul-17 Mar-18 Jan-16 Jul-16 Jan-17 Jul-17 Mar-18 BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 22 Confidence indicators in the region continue to improve Latin America: home and business confidence indicators (values over 50 pts indicate optimism) 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 Pessimism Optimism ARG BRA CHI COL MEX PER Consumer Producer Source: BBVA Research and Haver Along with the upturn in business confidence, higher raw material prices. Concurrently, the reduced political noise in Chile favoured greater levels of confidence, although increased tension has been a drag on the economy of other countries (Peru) In the case of families, lower inflation continues to favour an upturn in confidence (with the exception of Argentina), while the deterioration of labour markets seems to have bottomed out in many countries

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 23 continuing to point to growth recovery in Latin America, despite occasional temporary negative shocks Latin America: GDP growth (% YoY) 6 5 4 3 2 1 0-1 -2-3 -4 2.8 2.8 1.0-0.1-0.9 1.2 1.4 2.5 2.6 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 * * 2020* Latam** Andeans Brazil México Growth has continued to increase over recent months, in line with a recovery in confidence and a favourable foreign environment The rise in growth in and will continue to rest on two factors: The foreign sector: increased growth levels worldwide and higher raw material prices. A boost from private and public investment Growth will be lower than in other emerging regions such as Asia or eastern Europe Source: BBVA Research **Weighted average of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 24 A downward revision of growth forecasts in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay due to the drought, and in Peru as a result of political noise. Improved panorama in Chile Latin America countries: GDP growth (%) 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 ARG BRA CHI COL MEX PAR PER URU Latam Mercosur Pacific Alliance Apr-18 Jan-18 Source: BBVA Research and Haver The improved foreign environment (increased growth levels worldwide and higher raw material prices) is not sufficient to fully compensate for the impact of the drought in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, nor that of the of political noise in Q1 in Peru An upward revision of growth forecasts for Chile, thanks to higher than expected copper prices and a significant upturn in business confidence

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 25 Lower inflationary pressure, although higher in Argentina and Mexico Latin America: central bank inflation and target ranges (%) 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Argentina (left) Brazil Chile Colombia Mexico Peru Paraguay Uruguay Inflation Target Range Inflation Target Point Observed Forecast Source: BBVA Research Lower inflationary pressure in the region, within a panorama of (i) stable exchange rates or showing some appreciation over recent months and (ii) domestic demand that is still weak. The exception here is Argentina and Mexico, with inflation still high, although falling Inflation will converge toward the targets set by central banks, although in the case of Argentina, this will be a slower process than we forecast three months ago

Jun-17 Jun-18 Jun-19 Jun-17 Jun-18 Jun-19 Jun-17 Jun-18 Jun-19 Jun-17 Jun-18 Jun-19 Jun-17 Jun-18 Jun-19 Jun-17 Jun-18 Jun-19 Jun-17 Jun-18 Jun-19 BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 26 The cycle of interest rate cuts in South America during Q2 (except Argentina) Latin America: official interest rates (%) 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 ARG (left) BRA CHI COL MEX PAR PER Forecast Observed Source: BBVA Research and Haver With inflation among the priorities of central banks and amidst a context of a convergence of targets, as well as recovery in terms of growth, the cycle of interest rate cuts in South America is coming to an end. There will be few further cuts in Colombia and Brazil The exceptions to this scenario are Argentina and Mexico. In Argentina, interest rates began falling again, mirroring the drop in inflation, although real rates remain positive. In Mexico, rates will remain stable throughout, with cuts commencing toward the end of the year

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 27 Improved growth figures and higher raw material prices suggest a reduction in public deficits Latin America: fiscal balances (% GDP) 0-2 -4-6 -8-10 -12 ARG BRA CHI COL MEX PAR PER URU Latam Improved fiscal outlook in Brazil. results were surprisingly positive thanks to controlled spending and increased growth. However, there is still a risk that reforms to the social security system will not be passed Gradual fiscal tightening as forecast in Argentina. Deficit reduction targets will be met in Lower deficit than expected in Peru in, attributable to a lower execution of public investment and higher copper prices. Nevertheless, a special effort will be needed to ensure fiscal consolidation from onward Apr-18 Jan-18 Source: BBVA Research and Haver

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 28 The pressure from imports on increased growth has dragged foreign balances down Latin America: current account balances (% GDP) 3 2 1 0-1 -2-3 -4-5 -6 Foreign deficits to be extended in in various countries, despite a more favourable foreign panorama. Increased exports will not compensate for the momentum of imports in, due to higher growth in internal demand Significant foreign deficits in Argentina and Colombia. In the case of Colombia the trend toward a lower deficit will continue, helped by energy prices ARG BRA CHI COL MEX PAR PER URU Latam Apr-18 Jan-18 Source: BBVA Research and Haver

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 29 Greater foreign risk, except in the case of China 01 Protectionism and impact on global trade flows 02 A good pace in terms of the Fed's stimulus programme (aggressive rate increases in response to temporary inflationary pressure) 03 Leveraging and a sharp slowdown in China while domestic risk remains, uniformly across the countries concerned 04 Political noise: increased risk in Peru, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, lower risk in Chile and Argentina 05 Delays in private and public investment Increased risk in Peru, lower risk in Chile 06 Failure to push ahead with reforms and boost productivity

31-Jul-15 24-Sep-15 18-Nov-15 12-Jan-16 7-Mar-16 1-May-16 25-Jun-16 19-Aug-16 13-Oct-16 7-Dec-16 31-Jan-17 27-Mar-17 21-May-17 15-Jul-17 8-Sep-17 2-Nov-17 27-20-Feb-18 16-Apr-18 31-Jul-15 24-Sep-15 18-Nov-15 12-Jan-16 7-Mar-16 1-May-16 25-Jun-16 19-Aug-16 13-Oct-16 7-Dec-16 31-Jan-17 27-Mar-17 21-May-17 15-Jul-17 8-Sep-17 2-Nov-17 27-20-Feb-18 16-Apr-18 BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 30 Political risk: tension increasing with the pre-electoral scenario and corruption scandals Latin America: Political stress indicator (Media tone on politics weighted by media coverage. 30-day moving average) 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 Latam Band PER BRA COL Latam Band CHI MEX ARG The political tension index measures the tone of political reporting in the media, weighted by media coverage of political ma tters Source: BBVA Research and Gdelt Political tension increased over recent months, especially in Peru, as a result of corruption accusations made against former President Kuczynski. It also increased in Colombia and Brazil, in the middle of election campaigns In Mexico, political tension was influenced by the renegotation of the NAFTA. In contrast, tension in Chile and Argentina fell after elections were held in recent months

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 32 Growth forecasts for Latin America GDP (% YoY) 2015 2016 (p) (p) Argentina 2.7-1.8 2.9 2.6 3.3 Brazil -3.5-3.5 1.0 2.1 3.0 Chile 2.3 1.6 1.6 3.2 3.2 Colombia 3.1 2.0 1.8 2.0 3.0 Mexico 3.3 2.9 2.0 2.0 2.2 Paraguay 3.0 4.0 4.0 3.5 3.7 Peru 3.3 4.0 2.5 3.2 3.5 Uruguay 0.4 1.7 2.7 2.9 3.5 Mercosur -2.6-4.0 0.5 0.7 2.4 Pacific Alliance 3.1 2.7 2.0 2.3 2.6 Latin America: -0.1-0.9 1.2 1.4 2.5

BBVA Research - Latin America Outlook 2Q18 / 33 Latin America Outlook 2Q18 April