18 May 2011

CHILE: GDP In Q1 Jumps 9.8%...Highest in 15 Years.

BLOOMBERG/ R. Woods

    Chile reported its biggest expansion in 15 years...in Q1...with a blazing 9.8%.
    It easily outpaced other LatAm economies as it recovered from a mammoth earthquake.
    But there are also dangers of overheating.
    “Chile’s expansion is re-accelerating this year, thus keeping the economy in the overheating territory,” says Moody's. “The increasing excess demand and the consequent rebound in inflation and imports are genuine signs of an overheated economy.”
     Retail sales expanded by 16% in January, 17% in February and 16% vs March 2010.