MACROECONOMIC POLICIES AND PERFORMANCES IN LATIN AMERICA 1990-2010

Abstract

This paper assesses the macroeconomic policies and outcomes experienced by Latin American economies in the period 1990-2010. Macroeconomic policies refer to the exchange rate, monetary and aggregate fiscal policies. Macroeconomic outcomes, on the other hand, refer to the performances of growth, inflation, employment, investment, balance of payments and the evolution of external and public debts and international reserves. The assessment includes the discussion of the effects of macroeconomic outcomes on poverty rates. With regard policies, the analysis emphasizes the changes that took place from 1997-1998 on. As result of these changes a new macroeconomic configuration was established as from 2002-2003, which favored the acceleration of output growth and employment creation and contributed to reduce poverty rates.