scholarly journals An Investigation of Current Account Solvency in Latin America Using Non Linear Stationarity Tests

Author(s):  
Georgios E. Chortareas ◽  
George Kapetanios ◽  
Merih Uctum
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabián Amico

ABSTRACT This text reread the contribution of Prebisch in the era of deregulated financial flows, interpreted in a more general context of demand-driven growth, with the incorporation of capital flows as significant components of external dynamics. Given that the largest economies in Latin America cannot grow driven solely by exports, then the growth of these economies will present a trend towards the trade and current account deficit that will require a net influx of capital. Under certain conditions, this dynamic can be sustainable or not, with various implications for growth. The long-term balance between imports and exports will remain crucial, as in the original Prebisch vision. However, contrary to conventional views, the effects of capital flows can be very important for a strategy to promote structural change.


Significance In December 2014 ECLAC had anticipated expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) of 2.2% for 2015. It is now forecasting growth of only 0.5%, down from 1.1% in 2014 and 2.9% in 2013, principally due to the impact of lower commodity prices on South American economies and, particularly, Brazil. Impacts Due largely to weaker exports, LAC's current account deficit is forecast to widen from 2.7% of GDP in 2014 to 3.0% this year. Growth is forecast to drop this year in seven of the ten main South American countries. In LAC, investment is an unusually important determinant not only of growth but also the size of its swings.


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