Brazil

The troubled firm may be returning to profit, but debt levels and spending cuts remain a concern

Given his position, it was inevitable that Lula would be charged, but the case may prove politically toxic

Privatisation plans face political hurdles and possibly investor scepticism, without generating rapid recovery

Efforts to show that Congress is attempting a clean-up will raise risks but may not go far enough

Allegations that the attorney general's removal responds to efforts to curb the Petrobras probe will raise jitters

The industry is trying to become more efficient as the metal's price struggles to rebound

Mexican lending exceeds growth rates as Brazilian bank lending languishes

Although dismissive of protests as unrepresentative, the new government will not have an easy ride