World Economic Imbalances and their Impact in Latin

World Economic Imbalances and their Impact in Latin America LILIANA ROJAS-SUÁREZ Center for Global Development Mexico, June 2005

Summary • In contrast with 2004, 2005 is a year of very varied economic growth among industrial nations. While economic recovery is expected to continue in the US, and Latin America is expected to benefit in general from this recovery, European and Japanese growth appears weak. • The extremely high prices of non-agricultural commodities benefit the fiscal accounts and balance of payments of many nations in the region. • Latin America has also benefited from very low international interest rates. • But 2005 results are very fragile, and the Latin American region faces significant risks stemming from the need to correct macroeconomic imbalances in industrialized nations and China, aside from the vulnerabilities specific to each country in the region.

• More macroeconomic imbalances are created in international markets. This due to the following: – The need for monetary policy “adjustments” in industrial nations to prevent inflationary episodes and/or disorderly exchange rate movements. – Fiscal imbalances in many industrialized nations, especially the United States and Japan, which are unsustainable for the medium term. – The enormous US current accounts deficit, correction of which requires exchange rate adjustments. – An “overheated” Chinese economy. – Conflicts with the Arab world and possible terrorist attacks. • Given the need for global level adjustments, the greatest risk faced by Latin America is that 2004 – 2005 growth results are regarded as “permanent” and the relatively favorable international context for necessary reforms is overlooked.

The Unusual Global Economic Growth of 2004 will not be repeated in 2005 -2006 Real GDP Growth for the World and for Latin America: 2004 - 2006 (percentages) 10 9 8 7 6 2004 2005 F 2006 F 5 4 3 2 1 0 World United States Japan Euro Area Latin America Emerging Asia China Sources: IMF, Market Estimates The need for global macroeconomic adjustments will reduce growth in 2005 and 2006.

The Unusual Global Economic Growth of 2004 will not be repeated in 2005 -2006 Real GDP Growth for Latin American Nations: 2004 - 2006 20 18 16 14 12 2004 10 2005 F 8 2006 F 6 4 2 0 Argentina Brazil Chile Colombia Mexico Venezuela Peru Ecuador Source: Market Estimates Latin America also reflects the global outlook. Although 2005 still looks favorable, estimates point to slower growth in 2005 -2006, especially in Argentina and Ecuador.

The Unusual Global Economic Growth of 2004 will not be repeated in 2005 -2006 Real GDP Growth in Central American Countries: 2004 - 2005 7 6 5 4 2005 F 3 2 1 0 Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Dominican R. Source: CEPAL Most Central American nations reflect the world economic outlook.

What policy decisions made by the industrialized world help explain the current economic cycle? I. In contrast with 2004, this year the US Federal Reserve is less worried about consolidating the economic recovery and more about inflation. That is why rates will rise continuously. US Fed Funds Rate (percentages) Euro Area Main Refinancing Rate Japan Overnight Call (percentages) 7 5 1 6 0. 8 5 4 0. 6 4 3 3 0. 4 2 0. 2 2 0 1 1 0 -1 -0. 2 -2 -0. 4 1999 2000 2001 2002 Nominal 2003 2004 May 05 Real Sourece: IMF, International Financial Statistics and Federal Reserve 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 Nominal 2003 2004 May 05 Real Source: IMF, International Financial Statistics and Central Bank of Japan -1 2002 2003 Nominal 2004 May-05 Real Source: IMF, International Financial Statistics and Central Bank of Europe Since Japanese growth rates are still very low, the nominal interest rate will be zero in 2005. However, European rates are under pressure to rise.

What policy decisions made by the industrialized world help explain the current economic cycle? I. Low interest rates allowed a significant rise in housing prices and this induced a “wealth” effect that kept consumption stable in the United States, in spite of the stock market drop of 2000 -2002. GDP and Components Growth (percentages) 15 Estimate 10 5 0 -5 -10 1998 Fuente: Deutsche Bank 1999 2000 2001 Invstmnt 2002 Consump 2003 2004 2005 2006 GDP Growth US authorities maintained this expansive monetary policy until investment recovered. Once investment recovered in 2004, monetary policy gradually reverted ---and will remain subject to adjustments during 2005 -2006, introduced to contain possible inflation episodes.

What policy decisions made by the industrialized world help explain the current economic cycle? II. An expansive monetary policy was supplemented by an expansive fiscal policy in industrial nations. Fiscal Statements (% of GDP) 2003 2004 2005 USA -2. 9 -3. 5 -3. 2 Japan -7. 8 -7. 7 -7. 2 Europe -2. 7 -2. 9 -2. 7 Source: National Statistics, IMF and market estimates But, in contrast with the estimated monetary adjustment (at least in the US), no significant reduction is foreseen in the fiscal deficits of industrialized nations. The fiscal adjustment will be slower than the monetary adjustment.

What Asian policy decisions help explain the current economic cycle? III. The export-centered growth strategy pursued by China and other Asian emerging nations has increased the global products supply. This main factor helps explain the coexistence of expansive policies with low inflation levels in the industrialized world. To a large extent the Asian current account surplus finances the high current account deficit of the United States.

What Asian policy decisions help explain the current economic cycle? III. Higher than 8% growth in China will not fall in 2005. What may be questioned is the sustainability of this growth (as will be seen ahead). The role of China as a significant world economic player is manifested in the extremely rapid growth of its trade. Comparison between the Trade Indexes of China and the World 7000 6000 5000 1977 = 100 4000 3000 2000 1000 Chinese Trade in Goods Source: Lardy, IIE (2004) Total World Trade 03 20 01 20 99 19 97 19 95 19 93 19 91 19 89 19 87 19 85 19 83 19 81 19 79 19 77 0 19 IV.

The “productivity” effect is reflected in global economic behavior Global Growth of Productivity World Average Western & Northern Europe Southern Europe Eastern Europe / Central Asia North America (NAFTA) Latin America Africa Middle East Asia / Pacific South Asia -6 1990 -95 1995 -2003 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 Sources: GGDC; The Conference Board While Asia and North America stand out for their impressive productivity growth during the last decade, productivity growth in Europe and Latin America has slowed down.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT AND ITS EFFECTS ON LATIN AMERICA The dramatic rise in the price of non-agricultural commodities has benefited many nations in the region, but has negatively affected net oil importers. Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (January 1998 = 100) 700 600 500 400 300 200 Source: Bloomberg 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 0 1989 100 1988 •

THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT AND ITS EFFECTS ON LATIN AMERICA The Price of Coffee (in New York) 300 US cents per pound 250 200 150 100 Other Mild Arabicas 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 0 1995 50 Brazil Sources: IMF, International Financial Statistics & International Coffee Organization But a series of agricultural “commodities” such as sugar and coffee have also shown significant recovery.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT AND ITS EFFECTS ON LATIN AMERICA Improved commodity prices influence the non-oil mining products exported by Latin America. For example the prices of gold and copper have risen significantly, and market estimates indicate the price of gold will continue to rise in 2005 and 2006. Although a moderate drop is predicted for copper forward prices, not all analysts agree and some expect the excess global demand that keeps prices high to be maintained. Copper Prices: Spots and Futures Gold Prices: Spots and Futures Futuros 3500 600 Futures 3000 US Dólares/Tonelada Métrica 400 300 200 100 2000 1500 1000 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 0 1991 Dec-08 Dec-07 Dec-06 Dec-05 Dec-04 Dec-03 Dec-02 Dec-01 Dec-00 Dec-99 Dec-98 Dec-96 Source: World Gold Council y NYMEX Dec-97 Dec-95 Dec-94 Dec-93 Dec-92 Dec-90 500 Dec-91 0 2500 1990 US Dólares/Onza 500 Fuente: Bloomberg and NYMEX The combination of low interest rates in industrialized nations, a weak dollar and volatile stock markets has supported rising prices in precious metals in recent years.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT AND ITS EFFECTS ON LATIN AMERICA Capital inflows in emerging nations will continue in 2005 and Latin America will benefit from this. Net Private Inflows into Emerging Markets, by Region (in billions of dollars) 2002 2003 2004 e 2005 p Total 124. 9 210. 6 279. 0 275. 8 Latin America 17. 3 25. 2 26. 1 39. 4 Europe 45. 6 65. 6 97. 4 101. 1 Africa/Middle East 1. 5 3. 5 9. 2 9. 8 Asia/Pacific 60. 5 116. 3 146. 3 Source IIF, 2005 125. 6

THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT AND ITS EFFECTS ON LATIN AMERICA - - The larger volume of capital inflows is due to a combination of factors, including the following: Still ample liquidity at the global level (although diminishing) A weakening dollar creates incentives for capital outflows to other countries, including emerging nations. A greater interest in “funds dedicated to emerging nations” counters a reduction in international bank loans. Increased foreign direct investment motivated by the US economic recovery and the favorable macroeconomic figures of many nations in the region, including current account statements that still show a surplus (although diminishing). Brazil and Mexico will receive the largest portion of direct foreign investment in the region. Improved foreign debt sustainability indicators, since various regional nations took advantage of low interest rates to place “relatively cheap” longer-term bonds in order to repurchase expensive debt.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT AND ITS EFFECTS ON LATIN AMERICA Latin American Share of Total Net Private Direct Foreign Investment in Emerging and Developing Nations (in billions of US dollars) 250 200 150 100 50 0 1996 1997 1998 Source: IMF, WEO (September 2004) 1999 2000 Latin America 2001 2002 2003 2004 F 2005 F Others One additional positive factor is that not only has Foreign Direct Investment increased; the Latin American share of total Foreign Direct Investment in developing nations has remained stable, and seems to be more “resistant” to international interest rate variations as well.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT AND ITS EFFECTS ON LATIN AMERICA Latin America EMBI 1994 - 2005 (December 1994 = 100) 800 Russian Crisis Mexican Crisis Brazilian Crisis Argentinean Crisis 700 Asian Crisis Ecuadoran Crisis 600 Argentina Brazil Ecuador Latin America Mexico Peru Venezuela 500 400 300 200 100 Apr-05 Dec-04 Apr-04 Aug-04 Dec-03 Apr-03 Aug-03 Dec-02 Aug-02 Apr-02 Dec-01 Aug-01 Apr-01 Dec-00 Apr-00 Aug-00 Dec-99 Apr-99 Aug-99 Dec-98 Apr-98 Aug-97 Dec-97 Apr-97 Dec-96 Apr-96 Aug-96 Fuente: JP Morgan Dec-95 Apr-95 Aug-95 Dec-94 0 The improved international situation is reflected in a higher EMBI (bond prices), with the exception of Argentina.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT AND ITS EFFECTS ON LATIN AMERICA EMBI+(2004 -May 2005) Percentage Return (percentage) EMBI+(2003) Percentage Return (percentage) 25 120 100 20 80 15 60 10 40 5 20 0 Fuente: JP Morgan zu Pa ela na m R á us N ia ig er i Br a as Ec il ua do La r tin EM o N BI o + L C atin ol om o bi a Pe Fi rú lip in U as kr an Eg ia ip M to éx Bu ico lg a Tu ria rq u Po ía l Su on dá ia Ar fric ge a nt in a ne Ve do Br r as N il Ve ige ne ria zu el La a ti Tu no rq u EM ía BI + Pe rú R N usi a o La C tin ol om o bi Eg a Ar ipt ge o nt i U na kr a Fi nia lip i Pa nas na m M á éx Bu ico lg Su ari dá a fri Po ca lo ni a ua Ec 0 Fuente: JP Morgan However, the projected reduction in global liquidity generated by expectations surrounding US interest rate adjustments has led to greater variability in the price of bonds, and considerably lower returns for investors, for the period 2004 -May 2005 compared with 2003.

THE RISKS The greatest risk to global economic stability is that the governments of key nations (the United States, Europe and China) fail to adopt the necessary measures to correct major macroeconomic imbalances. • Europeans and Asians believe the principal imbalance is the low level of savings (especially fiscal savings) and excessive imports from the US. • The US government says the opposite, that is, the problem is excessive Asian and European savings and very low levels of imports by those nations. • Europeans and Asians believe the most important solution is the revaluation of the Chinese currency and thus more Chinese imports and less exports. What is ironic about this proposal is that a revaluation of the yuan would mean that China would reduce its purchases of US Treasury Bonds! All of them are right. No single measure (fiscal and/or monetary/exchange) would in itself suffice.

THE RISKS I. THE TIMING AND MAGNITUDE OF INTEREST RATE HIKES IN THE UNITED STATES 1. Expectations 2. International financial markets expect the Fed to rise interest rates to a “neutral” position, that is, to a rate compatible with the return to “full employment growth” and a stable inflation rate (of about 2%). 3. Market estimates suggest a “neutral rate” of about 4%, but also including “overshooting” to curtail inflation episodes and/or excessive depreciation of the dollar. Fed Funds Rate Market Estimate (percentages) 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 2004 T 1 2004 T 2 2004 T 3 2004 T 4 2005 T 1 2005 T 2 2005 T 3 2005 T 4 2006 T 1 2006 T 2 2006 T 3 Source: Market estimates This expected path has allowed investors to “adjust” their positions and prevented distortions in international financial markets.

THE RISKS I. THE TIMING AND MAGNITUDE OF INTEREST RATE HIKES IN THE UNITED STATES 2. Uncertainty • Although the “long term” focus of US interest rates is known, there is great short term uncertainty due to the following: • The Federal Reserve may accelerate interest hikes if : – – – Inflation rises rapidly beyond expectations The depreciation of the dollar leads to financial instability Very slowly rising interest rates produce a mortgage market “bubble” … …And already some significant signs point to an overheated mortgage market…

THE RISKS 2. THE TIMING AND MAGNITUDE OF INTEREST RATE HIKES IN THE UNITED STATES Uncertainty Besides, the Federal Reserve gives great significance to “unit labor costs” as an inflation indicator, and these costs have been rising significantly while productivity growth has slowed down. Unit Labor Costs and Productivity in the US 6 5 4 cambio % anual I. 3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 2002 2003 Productivity 2004 Unit Labor Costs Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Deutsche Bank 2005

THE RISKS I. THE TIMING AND MAGNITUDE OF INTEREST RATE HIKES IN THE UNITED STATES • An excessive interest rate hike may revert capital flows into the region. • The greatest problem is the “rebirth” of the debt sustainability problems of several Latin American nations.

THE RISKS II. INTERNATIONAL LIQUIDITY IS ALSO AFFECTED BY THE DOWNGRADING OF MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES • The General Motors and Ford downgrades led to significant losses in financial institutions (including hedge funds) that had collateral in the stocks and bonds of those companies. • This has raised risk aversion among investors and is increasing the cost for companies of obtaining financing through bonds.

THE RISKS III. FISCAL DEFICITS IN THE INDUSTRIALIZED WORLD, ESPECIALLY IN THE UNITED STATES, CAN PRODUCE UNCERTAINTY IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS. • Due to medium term fiscal pressures originated in social security and Medicare in the US (stemming from the relative increase in the retirement age population), short term fiscal correctives are required. Otherwise the fiscal position runs the risk of becoming unsustainable, which would then require an excessively strong and prolonged adjustment. The negative effects produced in Latin America by a strong adjustment related to economic contraction in the US are obvious, especially in the context of new free trade treaties.

THE RISKS III. FISCAL DEFICITS IN THE INDUSTRIAL WORLD, ESPECIALLY IN THE UNITED STATES, CAN PRODUCE UNCERTAINTY IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS. • Given the new Bush administration’s intent of making the 2001 tax breaks “permanent, ” there is greater risk that the fiscal deficit may increase in the coming years. • If a higher fiscal deficit materializes, additional pressure may be generated for a strong interest rate hike, with the resulting negative effects on Latin America.

THE RISKS IV. THE ENORMOUS US CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT REQUIERES GREATER DEPRECIATION OF THE DOLLAR WITH RESPECT TO THE EURO AND ASIAN CURRENCIES • Correcting this imbalance is believed to require close to a 20% depreciation in the effective real exchange rate of the US.

THE RISKS IV. THE ENORMOUS US CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT REQUIERES GREATER DEPRECIATION OF THE DOLLAR WITH RESPECT TO THE EURO AND ASIAN CURRENCIES … and forward markets reflect the long term trend, especially regarding the yen. JPY per USD: Spot and Forward 140 USD per EUR: Spot and Forward 1. 5 Forward 1. 4 130 1. 3 120 1. 2 110 1. 1 100 1 90 Fuente: JP Morgan In spite of the recent slight appreciation of the dollar, long term equilibrium is expected to require a more depreciated dollar. Jan-09 Jul-08 Jan-08 Jul-07 Jan-07 Jul-06 Jan-06 Jul-05 Jan-05 Jul-04 Jan-04 Jul-03 Jan-03 Jul-02 Jan-01 Jan-09 Jul-08 Jan-08 Jul-07 Jan-07 Jul-06 Jan-06 Jul-05 Jan-05 Jul-04 Jan-04 Jul-03 0. 6 Jan-03 60 Jul-02 0. 7 Jan-02 70 Jul-01 0. 8 Jan-01 80 Jul-01 0. 9

THE RISKS IV. WHAT ARE THE RISKS FACED BY LATIN AMERICA DUE TO THE US BALANCE OF PAYMENTS IMBALANCE? • The first one is that a strong depreciation of the dollar would raise production costs for US companies (due to more expensive imports) and lead to a generalized reduction in imported inputs. An attenuating factor, however, is the possibility of substituting US imports from markets with “appreciated” currencies by markets whose export products are denominated in dollars. • The second one is that a severe depreciation of the US dollar would raise the US inflation rate, leading the Fed to sharply raise interest rates. • The third one is that a severe depreciation of the US dollar would reduce the real value of the international reserves kept in Latin American nations. This is why certain sales of dollars by the central banks of both emerging and industrial nations (such as Norway, for example) have been recently observed.

THE RISKS V. THE POSSIBLE OVERHEATING OF THE CHINESE ECONOMY INVOLVES SYSTEMIC RISKS DUE TO CHINA’S GROWING IMPORTANCE IN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL MARKETS. China is the world’s largest consumer of copper, zinc, iron and steel, and the world’s second oil importer (after Japan). It is therefore relevant in determining the prices of commodities. T The tremendous expansion of investment in China, financed with sharp growth in domestic credit (achieved especially through government banks) is not sustainable. Although some analysts argue that the Chinese economy will gradually cool down, crisis risks are still present because current policies implemented by authorities to curtail excessive growth in money and credit are still very limited. China already had this experience in the early 1990 s, but then it lacked the international importance it now has.

THE RISKS V. THE POSSIBLE OVERHEATING OF THE CHINESE ECONOMY INVOLVES SYSTEMIC RISKS DUE TO CHINA’S GROWING IMPORTANCE IN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL MARKETS. China: Residential Property Sales Price Index (annual change in percentages) 19 650 18 600 17 550 12 10 500 Jun-04 Mar-04 Reservas Internacionales Fuente: IMF, International Financial Statistics (Marzo 2004) y Banco Central de China Dec-03 2004 Sep-03 Préstamos en RMB 2003 Jun-03 2002 Mar-03 2001 0 Dec-02 150 Sep-02 10 2 Jun-02 200 Mar-02 11 Dec-01 250 Sep-01 12 4 Jun-01 300 Mar-01 13 6 Dec-00 350 Sep-00 400 14 8 Jun-00 450 15 Mar-00 16 Billones USD Trilliones RMB China: Credit and International Reserves Fuente: CEIC, datos oficiales • Although international reserves have increased significantly, domestic credit has been growing at excessively high rates, increasing potential financial fragility. • The good news is that the probability of a financial crisis in China is still modest –but it will continue to increase of efforts are not made to “cool” the economy. • Another fragility indicator is the accelerated growth seen in mortgage market prices.

THE RISKS V. THE POSSIBLE OVERHEATING OF THE CHINESE ECONOMY INVOLVES SYSTEMIC RISKS DUE TO CHINA’S GROWING IMPORTANCE IN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL MARKETS. The risks originate in the possible effects in international markets of a “hard landing” of the Chinese economy. • Pressure for a drop in the price of export commodities from many Latin American nations, not only due to reduced direct demand from China, but also to the indirect effect produced on aggregate demand from the rest of Asia. • Global recessive pressures stemming from the fact that China accounts for more than 20% of the growth in global trade in recent years. • Pressures that reduce demand for US Treasury Bonds, which further exposes the balance of payments imbalances of the US. • Increased volatility in international financial markets. Experience demonstrates that this volatility tends to increase risk aversion and reduce the financing available to emerging nations. • Given the large accumulation of international reserves, no devaluation of the yuan is foreseen, nor any short term improvement in Chinese international competitiveness that could harm Latin American nations that compete with Chinese exports.

THE RISKS V. AN ADDITIONAL RISK ORIGINATED IN CHINA The expiration of the textile trade quotas that took place towards the end of 2004 (for WTO member nations) may produce additional pressure in favor of textile price reductions (and these products are also exported by some Latin American nations). Nevertheless international analysts don’t think this represents a major risk, because US importers prefer not to concentrate their trade on China, especially after the temporary imposition of import quotas on Chinese products headed for the US and given that Europe is also considering restrictions on Chinese imports.

THE RISKS CONTINUED HIGH OIL PRICES POSE A MAJOR GLOBAL RISK This is due to already mentioned factors (economic recovery in the United States, overheating in China), the high frequency of weather shocks that raise demand for energy products, and supply factors, including those derived from the Irak conflict. Oil Prices (West Texas Intermediate): Spot and Futures 60 Futures 50 US Dllars per barrel 40 30 20 Feb-07 Aug-06 Feb-06 Aug-05 Feb-05 Aug-04 Feb-04 Aug-03 Feb-03 Aug-02 Feb-02 Aug-01 Feb-01 Aug-00 Feb-00 0 Aug-99 10 Feb-99 VI. Source: Bloomberg and NYMEX Although estimates point downward, prices in the futures market are extremely high. This is because the price of oil has experienced a “permanent” increase due to a substantial increase in global demand.

THE RISKS BESIDES, THE PROBLEM WITH ESTIMATES IS THAT ANALYSTS SYSTEMATICALLY SUBESTIMATE THE OBSERVED PRICE OF OIL. Price of Brent Oil: Estimates and Observed Price 45 40 US Dollars per barrel VI. 35 30 25 20 15 10 1999 2000 2001 2002 Estimated price at start of year Source: Deutsche Bank, Reuters, Bloomberg And this happened again in 2005. 2003 2004 Observed price 2005

THE RISKS VI. THE RISKS THAT HIGH OIL PRICES RAISE FOR LATIN AMERICA: • One risk basically consists of pressure exerted to “accommodate” oil price increases by relaxing monetary policy. Fortunately this risk has not materialized because most Latin American nations have implemented a restrictive monetary policy. • Another important risk is the fact that recent estimates calculate that each sustained increase of US $10 per barrel in the price of oil reduces global growth by about ½ percent per year.

THE RISKS VII. A “LATIN AMERICAN EXPORT” RISK: DISSATISFACTION WITH THE RESULTS OF DEMOCRACY AND THE MARKET ECONOMY. Percentage of respondents who are “barely satisfied" or "not satisfied" with democracy and its results. Source: Latinobarómetro • Recent surveys point to a high level of dissatisfaction with democracy and the results of reform in the population. The percentage of dissatisfied respondents is higher than 50% in all nations. • This poses a serious risk to the continuation of the reform processes that the region requires, and must be addressed to prevent reform reversals.

A RISK SUMMARY • The greatest risk for Latin America is a reduction in global liquidity, given that the Federal Reserve will continue to raise interest rates in order to correct, at least in part, global macroeconomic imbalances.

A SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITIES • Since the resolution of macroeconomic imbalances in leading nations in 2006 will imply a reduction in global growth, higher international interest rates and reduced capital flows into the region, 2005 looks like a “window of opportunities” for Latin America. • This is the best time to consolidate fiscal accounts, avoid debt problems and accelerate institutional reforms. • Delaying these efforts may be very costly for the region. However, given the level of discontent among the population with the results of reforms already implemented, the inclusion of different social segments and the search for a consensus are essential.