Panama’s closely watched budget deficit widens in 2010 to 1.9 percent of GDP

Panama's budget deficit widened to the equivalent of 1.9 percent of gross domestic product in 2010 because of higher spending on infrastructure.

Panama ran a 0.9 percent deficit in 2009. In 2010, payments for subway system construction underway in the capital and for roads weighed on the deficit.

The fiscal discipline of Panama, one of Latin America's few nations with investment grade ratings on its debt, is closely watched by ratings agencies and investors.

Original source: Reuters