Top news driving LATAM Assets on Friday

These are the top news driving LATAM returns on Friday.

First, nonfarm payrolls in the United States increased by 275,000 in February, while the unemployment rate rose to 3.9%, exceeding the consensus of analysts consulted by The Wall Street Journal, who anticipated 198,000 jobs and a rate of 3.7 percent.

Average hourly earnings, which are followed as an inflation indicator, had a smaller-than-expected increase for the month and showed deceleration. We believe it is this indicator that generates optimism.

Second, the World Food Price Index of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) fell in February for the seventh consecutive month, as the decline in the values of major cereals more than offset the increase in sugar and meat prices.

The FAO Price Index, which tracks the most traded food products globally, averaged 117.3 points in February, down from the revised 118.2 points of the previous month, the agency reported on Friday.

The price of food is of great importance for Latin America because this region is one of the main producers of food and primary products globally. Latin America exports its production to China, Asia, and Europe, which means that changes in food prices can have a significant impact on the region’s economy. Fluctuations in food prices can affect the profitability of farmers and producers, as well as inflation and the cost of living for local consumers.

Additionally, food exports are an important source of income for many Latin American countries, so changes in global prices can influence the region’s income and trade balance. Therefore, the price of food is a key factor that is closely monitored in Latin America.

Finally, we should mention the horror taking place in Haiti.

The government of Haiti extended the state of emergency in the capital, Port-au-Prince, by one month amid a wave of criminal violence in the country. The measure affects the entire West department, which includes Port-au-Prince, and will be accompanied by a curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. An influential gang leader, Jimmy Chérizier, warned on Tuesday that if Prime Minister Ariel Henry does not resign, the country will head towards “a civil war that will lead to genocide.