Central America is regional economic star

The economy of Latin America and the Caribbean will grow by 1.5 percent this year, 0.7 percentage points lower than previously "in an international context of uncertainty and volatility," said the United Nations Economic Commission for the region.

The report notes "the very heterogeneous nature among the nations and sub-regions.

Growth in South America is expected to be 1.2 percent this year, and the Caribbean by 1.7 percent. Central America is expected to grow by 3.4 percent.