Latin American Economy & Business - February 2017 (ISSN 1741-7430)

Relatively weak economic activity and low inflation prompted the Banco Central del Chile (BCCh) to cut interest rates for the first time since 2014 in mid-January, with the bank also implying that a further easing of monetary policy is likely later in the year if recent economic trends persist. Given the proximity of the November general election, the leftist government led by President Michelle Bachelet will be hoping that a recovering economy will boost its chances of retaining power, amid rising levels of public frustration.