Summary
This report presents the 2026 Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Annual Economic Outlook, detailing key economic trends expected to influence the region's payment industry. It outlines five significant trends: the normalization of economic growth, rising purchasing power due to falling inflation and increasing wages, stabilization of remittance growth, the impact of mega-events on tourism and spending, and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity and digital payments. The report forecasts a real GDP growth of approximately 2 percent for the region, with central banks likely to maintain neutral interest rates, which will reduce borrowing costs. The report also discusses the expected modest growth in remittances and the anticipated boost in cross-border spending linked to major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, it highlights the challenges posed by global economic uncertainties and the potential for countries to diversify trade partnerships in response to changing international dynamics.
