Trends

Low growth leads to declining levels of foreign investment, which leads to low growth. Is there a way out?

Panama and Costa Rica lead the way, while El Salvador faces serious problems.

The region’s balance of trade has been declining for a decade.

A scandal involving Barack Obama's security detail and Colombian call girls was the main news story at last week’s Summit of the Americas.

Sugar prices have risen sharply in recent years, as part of the international boom in commodities.

Commodity markets often provide a roller-coaster ride for producers, and recent events in coffee are no exception.

Violence related to drug trafficking continues to be a major threat to the political and economic stability of Central America.

A customs union would help the region become more efficient, but progress in creating it is slow.

El Salvador and Guatemala lead the way, in shifting away from expensive, petroleum-based power generation.

Ethnic minorities are flexing their muscle.