Panama to Be the Leading Economy in Central America with a 7%Growth before 2023

The ECLAC report predicted that Panama would surpass its Central American neighbors, the Caribbean, and even Mexico. The study also raises that Latin America might face many upcoming problems, like lower trade growth.

The latest ECLAC report classifies Panama as the country with the highest growth in Central America in late 2022. The study also raises various upcoming problems that Latin American nations might face.

After an inflation slowdown, the ECLAC stressed that Panama would be the leading economy in the region. The commission said the country would also surpass the nation in the Caribbean and even Mexico.

The average growth rate in the rest of Latin America might reach 2.5%, but Panama would have an estimated growth rate of 7.0%. However, that figure for the Central American country decreased slightly after the ECLAC forecast it would be 7.3% in early 2022.

The ECLAC included Panama among the countries not recovering their gross domestic product level before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those results appear in the new edition of the Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2022: trends and challenges of investing for a sustainable and inclusive recovery.

The ECLAC Predicts Less Growth and More Inflation

According to the ECLAC report, several crises have led to the low growth and inflationary acceleration global scenario. Besides, lower trade growth, the US dollar appreciation, and tighter global financial conditions will affect Central America negatively.

Mario Cimoli, interim executive secretary of the ECLAC, considers coordination of macroeconomic policies would stimulate growth and reduce inflation effects.

Cimoli said those strategies would support growth acceleration, investment, and the reduction of poverty and inequality. He explained that they would do that to face inflationary dynamics amid numerous objectives and growing restrictions.

The ECLC Predicts a Complex Macroeconomic Outlook for Latin America

The ECLAC report highlights that Latin America and the Caribbean might face a complex economic outlook. It explains that the lower economic growth adds to significant inflationary pressures, less creation of jobs, falls in investment, and growing social demands.

That has caused significant challenges for the macroeconomic policy aimed to promote economic reactivation to control inflation and make public finances sustainable.

The report also mentions that the Russia-Ukraine conflict intensified the upward trend in the prices of products, causing them to reach all-time levels.

In 2022, South America might grow by 2.6%, Central America and Mexico by 2.5%, and the Caribbean by 4.7%. Panama would be the only exception, as the commission estimates a growth of 7%.

Cryptocurrencies have become relevant amid economic crises, like during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The decentralized nature of those assets allows using them without the need for intermediaries or government control.

Bitcoin is trading at around 21,706 and has accumulated a 0.9% gain over the last 24 hours. While its daily trading volume is above USD 27.04 billion, its market capitalization is about USD 415.40 billion, according to CoinGecko.

By Alexander Salazar

While the Philippines Discusses Crypto Regulation with Binance, Korean Companies Plan to Launch Exchanges

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The Philippine SEC chair highlighted the need to reduce cryptocurrency-related crime, while Kenneth Stern emphasized the importance of adoption. Some Korean companies dealing in securities reportedly work with financial agencies to obtain a license to offer exchange services.

The Philippine financial authorities are working together to regulate the local cryptocurrency business more effectively. Since they observed their previous actions were inadequate, they decided to turn to Binance and other private companies for advice.

According to a local Philippine media outlet, many government agencies participated in a Senate session that Senator Mark Villar chaired. The Central Bank of the Philippines, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) were among those organizations.

Cryptocurrency Adoption and Security Standards in the Philippines

The institutions that met to discuss the cryptocurrency industry regulation included Binance and FinTech Alliance Philippines. They debated recent regulatory actions and possible measures to encourage innovation in the sector and guarantee client protection.

Emilio Benito Aquino, the SEC chairman, highlighted the need to reduce the number of crimes related to crypto assets. Meanwhile, Kenneth Stern, Binance General Manager for the Philippines, emphasized the relevance of adopting cryptocurrencies.

The cryptocurrency exchange addressed the client protection issue by discussing its steps to guarantee security. The company claimed it followed strict security standards and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures.

However, the SEC recently warned investors not to use Binance, saying the company did not have a license to operate.

Meanwhile, Leading Companies Plan to Launch Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Korea

According to local South Korean media, various leading companies plan to enter the cryptocurrency world. Samsung, Mirae Asset Securities, and other publicly traded firms want to launch their cryptocurrency trading platforms.

Those companies, which deal in securities, are reportedly working with South Korean financial agencies to obtain a license. The discussions that might allow them to offer the services of exchange seem to be in the final stages.

South Korea Has Become More Receptive to Cryptocurrencies

South Korean regulatory agencies have always targeted the cryptocurrency industry, even banning over 60 exchanges in 2021. Those companies had to register and comply with the rules of local financial supervisor FIU to resume their activities.

Many exchanges failed to meet those parameters and had to close their doors. However, Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone and Korbit, the four largest South Korean cryptocurrency exchanges, could obtain their licenses.

The government has also tightened control over the trade of cryptocurrencies after the Terra (LUNA) collapse. Do Kwon, the leader of the project, who was born in South Korea, is under investigation by local agents.

However, Korea has become more receptive to cryptocurrencies after its new president, Yoon Suk Yeol, took office. Since he is a crypto enthusiast, he promises to raise the tax default limit on digital asset investment gains.

In that regard, the ability of some leading Korean companies to enter the crypto industry may represent a significant step forward. That way, the Asian country may become a cryptocurrency hub.

By Alexander Salazar

Venezuela: Prices of the Official Dollar, Parallel, and USDT Soar in a Chaotic Day – Déjà vu?

In 24 hours, the parallel dollar soared 18.85% and closed at 8.70 bolivars while the BCV updated the official dollar rate to 7.01 bolivars. USDT reached the barrier of 9 bolivars in the Binance P2P market.

After a chaotic day for the Venezuelan economy, the prices of the dollar and the USDT stablecoin soared, thus dealing a resounding blow to the national currency: the bolivar.

On Wednesday, August 24, the US currency began its journey at an exchange rate of 7.86 bolivars (in the parallel market). However, hours later and after an increase of more than 10%, the dollar closed at 8.70 dollars.

According to data provided through Twitter by Monitor Dolar Vzla, in 24 hours the parallel dollar shot up 18.85%, while the bolivar devalued 15.86% in the same period.

A hard blow to the Bolívar: Official Dollar Also Rises

In the midst of the economic uncertainty that the South American country has gone through in recent hours, various actors have expressed their opinions.

The politician José Guerra criticized through Twitter the inability of the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) to stop the dramatic devaluation of the bolivar:

“The bolivar collapses and with it wages. Again. The BCV has no way of stabilizing the exchange rate because it has no reserves and because the public does not want bolivars. A lethal combination. The tragedy: the monthly minimum wage, which in March 2022 was $30, today is $15.”

In addition, Asdrúbal Oliveros, economist, and director of Ecoanalítica, stated that, “Why did the BCV, even with a favorable flow of foreign currency, stop intervening vigorously in the foreign exchange market through foreign currency sales? That is the crux of what happens with the exchange rate.”

On the other hand, Nicolás Maduro’s regime has blamed the economic sanctions of the United States and social networks for the dramatic increase in the parallel dollar.

However, the BCV also published at the end of the afternoon a considerable increase in the price of the official dollar, which went from 6.28 dollars to 7.01 dollars.

USDT Not Far Behind – Soars Meteorically

A very curious fact is that the stablecoin USDT also skyrocketed but at a meteoric rate. With the official rate at 7.01 bolivars, the parallel dollar at 8.70 bolivars, USDT managed to overcome the 9 bolivars barrier in the Binance P2P market

Twitter user Kevin Negocios, a well-known influencer of the crypto ecosystem in Venezuela, commented on the existing “arbitrage” between USDT and the current Venezuelan exchange market:

“Another good day to win on #USDT. 368.26 Bs the bill, or 58.64$ if you were to pay with dollars in cash. Instead change 44.45 USDT, stop paying… $14.19! 24.19% savings!”

The rise in exchange rates in the South American country occurs hours after ECLAC indicated that Venezuela and Colombia would have the highest economic growth in 2022, as reported by BeInCrypto.

At the moment, there is a lot of uncertainty. Many users predict that the dollar will soon surpass the 10 bolivar mark. Is Venezuela experiencing déjà vu?

By Audy Castaneda

Davivienda and the IDB Group Issue First Blockchain Bond in Colombia

The bond had a total issue amount of $110 million and was purchased by IDB Invest through a transaction carried out on the LACChain Blockchain network. Davivienda has been one of the pioneers in working with Blockchain technology in Colombia.

Banco Davivienda and the IDB group issued the first Blockchain bond in Latin America and the Caribbean. This action is part of a pilot within the Sandbox of the Financial Superintendence of Colombia.

According to an official report, the issuance of the first Blockchain bond in Latin America completed the processes of authorization, initial registration, and subsequent cancellation of the registration of the bond in the National Registry of Securities and Issuers (RNVE). Furthermore, the issuance, trading, recording of payments, and fulfillment of the bond were all done on the Blockchain.

The Pilot Study in Detail

This pilot was made possible thanks to the joint work of Banco Davivienda, IDB Group, SFC, Banco de la República, and LACChain, which included financial, operational, technological, legal, and regulatory solutions.

The bond had a total issue amount of 110 million dollars and was purchased by IDB Invest through a transaction carried out on the LACChain Blockchain network.

A Project Designed to Promote Financial Inclusion

According to Javier Suárez, president of Davivienda, the success of this pilot means an opportunity to continue working for financial inclusion, this time from the stock market:

“Davivienda has been one of the pioneers in working with Blockchain technology in Colombia. On this occasion, we are very happy to be able to announce the success of this first pilot, which we were able to develop together with such important allies.”

For Suarez, the use of this technology transforms the role of actors in the securities market and the way bonds are issued and processed, resulting in a more transparent, fast, and secure market.

He states that, “this favors the reduction of costs and the complexity of emissions, allowing the entry of more and more participants.”

The Great Benefits of the First Blockchain Bond in Latin America

Davivienda highlighted several points that turn out to be great advances after the issuance of the Blockchain bond. According to the entity, this pilot makes it possible to understand the benefits of using new decentralized technologies such as Blockchain, increases the efficiency of the capital market in the region, and opens the way to promote the use of decentralized finance in Colombia.

Similarly, Kelvin Suero, acting representative of the IDB Group in Colombia, indicated that this is an example of how the work between the IDB Group and the public and private sectors of the countries can lead to innovation in capital markets.

He believes that, “the pilot opens the doors to fundamental changes in the existing precepts in securities trading and allows new models to be explored in the future to generate more financial inclusion. We hope that similar pilots can be replicated in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

By Audy Castaneda

$60 Million USDT Found in Wallet of Argentinian Businessman Accused of Scams

The defendant requested house arrest. In the return, priority would be given to deposits of less than 2 million Argentine pesos, and as of November 15, to other savers.

Experts from the Subdirectorate of Technological Crimes of the National Gendarmerie of Argentina were able to enter the virtual wallet of the firm Adhemar Capital. Edgar Adhemar Bacchiani, owner and CEO of the company, is charged with fraud and money laundering.

What could be demonstrated with the procedure is the existence of assets in your Binance account. More than 58 million dollars in USDT.

Once the finding was known, Bacchiani’s lawyer, Lucas Retamozo, requested house arrest for his client. He said that the money “is available to be returned to the savers”, and that a payment plan has already been presented to the Justice.

Bacchiani’s Argument and Strategy

Bacchiani revealed that he has that sum in a wallet, but he refused to show the movements of the account, which is key in the investigation carried out by the Federal Justice, which could now arrange for that money to be transferred to a judicial account.

Bacchiani’s strategy of refusing to show the movements would be a way of pressing for the granting of the benefit of house arrest.

Retamozo said that in the return of the money priority would be given to those who have deposited sums less than two million Argentine pesos, to those who have health problems, and from November 15 to the rest of the savers.

How Adhemar Capital Operated

Bacchiani’s company worked, as he explains on his social networks, with cryptocurrencies, and offered rates of between 12 and 22% per month to those who placed money and, depending on the amount, could reach 50%.

It appears constituted for the purpose of wholesale and retail distribution of food products, natural or industrialized; to plan, promote, protect, develop and market, on its own account or on behalf of third parties, real estate ventures. And for the sale of vehicles and machinery and consulting tasks.

In January, the Central Bank asked the Attorney for Economic Crime and Money Laundering (Procelac) to investigate the firm Adhemar Capital. It was before the possibility that he is developing a pyramid scheme under the facade of supposed investments in cryptocurrencies.

The request originated from a complaint by the governors of Catamarca, Raúl Jalil (one of his brothers has money in Adhemar), and of La Rioja, Ricardo Quintela. They alerted last September about the activity of a series of non-financial companies installed in that province. It was the first step to Bacchiani’s downfall.

Bacchiani already has complaints and proceedings against him in Córdoba and Tucumán, where he landed last year with a scheme similar to that of Catamarca, the province where his firm was born.

In a report granted to a media outlet in Córdoba, he compared himself to Bill Gates and Steve Jobs for having started his company in a garage.

Bacchiani, 45, presents himself as a native of Buenos Aires who chose Catamarca with its place in the world to live and do business. A few years ago he founded Adhemar Capital, a financial organization that took over the province’s square in a “transversal” way.

But as happened with Generación Zoe in Córdoba, between December and January, the scheme began to fall like a house of cards.

By Audy Castaneda

What is Cryptocurrency Trading?

The cryptocurrency market has proven to be one of the fastest growing markets from the pandemic to date.

Every day more people decide to join this market by opening an account in an exchange –exchange– or in a virtual wallet. Read more in cryptocurrency news.

Now, to enter the world of cryptocurrencies it is important to understand what trading is and what the different investment techniques that exist within trading are.

According to BeInCrypto, the cryptocurrency market has several similarities to traditional financial markets.

Basic Trading, Range Trading

The basic trading technique consists of selling and buying cryptocurrencies depending on the rises and falls in the value of the crypto market assets.

“When the value of the assets goes up, it is generally recommended to sell, and when the value of the assets goes down, it is recommended to buy,” highlights BeInCrypto.

In this sense, it is necessary to carefully analyze the value of the cryptocurrencies that are in the portfolio to see if it is convenient to go out and sell, likewise, it is prudent to analyze the quotes or prices of the cryptocurrencies to see if it is convenient to go out and buy.

Market prices often move horizontally, which means there may be limited opportunities to enter a market.

BeInCrypto explains that the range trading technique capitalizes on the fact that markets fluctuate within a range during these sideways trends, defined by a resistance band and a support band.

In this context, the technique of range trading takes advantage of non-trending markets by identifying consistent high and low prices, known as support and resistance bands.

The idea of ​​trading within a tight range can be applied to a variety of markets, including forex, stocks, and cryptos, allowing the trader to buy and sell when an asset is oversold or overbought.

In the indicators section of Valora Analitik the investor can follow the behavior of cryptocurrencies in real-time.

Scalping and Swing Compared

Scalping is a short-term intraday trading strategy that aims to profit from small price movements.

The idea is that the accumulation of small but frequent profits will generate a substantial return at the end of the trading day.

The level of return on each investment is relatively low but sustainable as it continues to return over a long period of time.

Forex or crypto traders use this strategy through quick response to market movements.

Unlike holding a position for a few hours, days, or weeks, a scalper tends to react within minutes and sometimes even seconds.

Consistency and speed are the main factors that determine the results.

When comparing the scalping strategy to day trading or the swing technique, the scalping technique involves relatively low risks and provides instant returns.

Now, it is worth clarifying that the results depend largely on the perseverance, self-discipline, and large amounts of capital of the investor to obtain substantial success.

In any case, it is always a good idea to do your own research before making important investment decisions. For example, if you decide to invest in cryptocurrencies, you could consider the efforts of Valora Analitik and BeInCrypto.com, who signed an alliance to bring information of interest to the Latin American public interested in learning more about crypto assets, technologies such as Blockchain, and NFT, the trend of this sector that grows in the market.

By Audy Castaneda