Latest Reporting by Rio Times — Business
16 Stories IndexedMedellín Starts Water Rationing as El Niño Drains Reservoirs
Medellín has initiated water rationing due to declining reservoir levels in the Aburrá Valley caused by the El Niño weather pattern. Utility provider EPM warns that these service cuts could potentially persist until 2027 if dry conditions continue. Additionally, a nationwide energy-saving initiative has been launched because the country's hydroelectric dams supply both power and water.
The water rationing and new energy-saving measures directly threaten both daily municipal supplies and national power generation across Colombia.
Gold & Silver Daily Wrap — Monday, August 31, 2026
Gold prices declined on Monday due to a strengthening US dollar and rising expectations for higher interest rates. Meanwhile, silver experienced a slight increase, with production dynamics in Mexico and Peru remaining central to the overall supply landscape.
Ecopetrol Leadership Changes Reach Two More Vice Presidencies Before Board Vote
Colombian state oil company Ecopetrol has replaced two additional high-ranking vice presidents ahead of an upcoming board vote. Sergio Andrés Moreno Acevedo departed from his role leading science, technology, and innovation, while the board established an acting head for transition energies.
IMF Chief Hails ‘Impressive’ Argentina Economic Turnaround at G20
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva commended Argentina's recent economic recovery during the G20 finance summit. Meeting with Argentina's Economy Minister Luis Caputo, Georgieva attributed the positive results to effective policymaking and implementation.
Colombia Markets: COLCAP & the Peso — September 1, 2026
Colombia's benchmark COLCAP index decreased by 1.33% to close at 2,425. Concurrently, the Colombian peso depreciated by 1.81%, reaching 3,219 against the US dollar. These downward movements were driven by declining oil prices and broader caution in global financial markets.
Peru El Niño Emergency: Cabinet Weighs Decree for 22 Regions as Fiscal Savings Hit 25-Year Low
Peru's cabinet is considering a state of emergency across 22 regions due to heavy El Niño rainfall. This potential declaration comes as the nation's Fiscal Council reports public savings have fallen to a 25-year low, raising concerns about the government's financial capacity to respond.
Argentina Markets: Merval & the Peso — September 1, 2026
Argentina's Merval index rose by 1.83 percent to reach 3,033,848, driven primarily by gains in banking equities. Meanwhile, the country experienced stability in both bond trading and the peso, while the country risk metric remained steady at 512 points.
Colombia Country Risk Jumps to 142 Points After 2027 Budget Lands
Colombia's country risk increased to 142 basis points following the release of the government's 2027 budget. The economic outlook highlights a looming gas deficit, with current proven reserves projected to last less than six years. Industry representatives are advocating for new exploration to prevent reliance on massive gas imports by 2045.
What to Do in Rio in September 2026: Rock in Rio, the First Semana de Arte and Nine Free Things
Rio de Janeiro has announced its cultural and entertainment lineup for September 2026. The schedule features the multi-night Rock in Rio festival, the debut of the city's Semana de Arte, opera performances, and various free activities.
White House Publishes Venezuela Oil Deal Terms as Trump Says Exxon Is Going In
The White House released a fact sheet outlining the terms of a proposed oil agreement with Venezuela. The deal would grant North American Blue Energy Partners a 100‑year lease on 17 oilfields containing roughly 65 billion barrels of reserves, while the United States would hold a 35 percent equity stake. President Trump indicated that Exxon Mobil is prepared to participate in the venture.
Brazil Gross Debt Hits 82.5% of GDP in July, Highest Since 2021
Brazil's gross public debt rose to 82.5 percent of GDP in July, or R$10.9 trillion (US$2.1 trillion), the highest since April 2021. A R$1.4 billion primary surplus was dwarfed by R$98.963 billion of interest, leaving a nominal deficit of R$97.6 billion (US$18.8 billion). The post Brazil Gross Debt Hits 82.5% of GDP in July, Highest Since 2021 appeared first on The Rio Times.
Nicaragua: OAS Chief Calls for More Pressure Before 21 September Vote
OAS secretary general Albert Ramdin has urged member states to raise pressure on Nicaragua, with economic measures and flight restrictions, ahead of the 21 September electoral-reform vote. The post Nicaragua: OAS Chief Calls for More Pressure Before 21 September Vote appeared first on The Rio Times.
Brazil and US Met on Tariffs, Expect No Deal, and BTG’s Esteves Saw Trump
Brazilian and US officials met on the 50% tariff dispute and Brasilia says no deal is expected now. Separately, BTG Pactual chairman Andre Esteves met Donald Trump in the United States. The post Brazil and US Met on Tariffs, Expect No Deal, and BTG’s Esteves Saw Trump appeared first on The Rio Times.
Brazil’s Natura Jumps as Alessandro Carlucci Returns as CEO After Twelve Years
Natura shares jumped 7.67% on Monday as the Brazilian cosmetics group named Alessandro Carlucci, its chief executive from 2005 to 2014, to replace João Paulo Ferreira from 1 October. The post Brazil’s Natura Jumps as Alessandro Carlucci Returns as CEO After Twelve Years appeared first on The Rio Times.
Argentina Peso: Rate Cuts Change the Maths for Savers
Argentina's central bank has stopped defending 1,500 pesos per dollar and is letting peso rates fall, rewriting the maths for time deposits and Lecap treasury bills. The post Argentina Peso: Rate Cuts Change the Maths for Savers appeared first on The Rio Times.
LatAm Expat & Nomad Daily Guide for Sunday, August 30, 2026
The Short Version In short: Your LatAm expat and nomad daily guide for Sunday, August 30. American Airlines relaunches Miami–Caracas on Thursday with two daily flights — the deepest US–Venezuela connectivity in a decade, under a Level 3 travel advisory. The Warsh repricing holds all weekend: Colombia’s TRM fixing stays at 3,202.79 through Monday, Brazil’s […] The post LatAm Expat & Nomad Daily Guide for Sunday, August 30, 2026 appeared first on The Rio Times.