Andina

FocusEconomics maintains Peru's 2018 growth forecast at 3.9%

12:36 | Lima, Jan. 17.

FocusEconomics' Consensus Forecast Latin Focus analysts have maintained Peru's growth projections for 2018 and 2019 unchanged at 3.9% and 3.8%, respectively.

According to the experts, growth should gain steam this year, as higher infrastructure spending spurs fixed investment, and sustained global demand for minerals underpins the mining sector.

"Moreover, rising wages and growing employment should fuel private consumption," the panel underscored.

However, the volatility in the political scene is a downside risk to the outlook, the latest report reads.

Panelists also pointed out the political crisis —that shook the Andean country between late December and early January— weighed on public investment, which slowed considerably in the twelfth month.

Likewise, the report notes the crisis was triggered by a motion to impeach President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski on 21 December, following spillovers from the Odebrecht investigation.

(END) MMG/MMG/JAA/MVB

Published: 1/17/2018