LatinNews Daily - 03 February 2026

*Chile’s central bank (BCCh) has released the latest figures for its economic activity index (Imacec), which showed a 1.7% year-on-year rise in December and a 0.6% increase compared to November. This compares to an annual increase in the Imacec of 1.2% in November, while economic activity was down 0.6% in monthly terms. In terms of the sector breakdown, activity in the services sector grew 2.2% in yearly terms in December and 0.2% in monthly terms, while trade was up 6.6% year-on-year and 2.3% in monthly terms. Goods production fell by 0.9% in yearly terms, “a result influenced by lower mining output”, according to the BCCh. However, goods production increased 0.8% in monthly terms, with the BCCh saying this was “mainly explained by the other goods category”.  Overall, the BCCh said the annual Imacec result in December was driven by growth in services and other goods, “which was partly offset by lower mining production”.