Important Headlines
📰 North America’s First Transcontinental Railroad Formed
North America's first transcontinental railway linking Mexico, Canada and America was created after a $31 billion merger was approved between the acquirer, Canadian Pacific, and Kansas City Southern. The new name will be Canadian Pacific Kansas City ("CPKC"). The review period by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board took two years.
📰 Chile Nationalizes Lithium Mines
North Carolina based Albemarle Corporation stands to loose one of its greatest assets as a result of the left-wing government’s move to nationalize the nation’s lithium mines. Chile is the world’s second-largest producer of lithium (number one copper producer), a critical input for electric car batteries. Mexico made a similar move last year. Countries have discussed creating an OPEC style cartel for lithium.
📰 Brazil’s President Signals De-Dollarization
President Lula called for cooperation between countries to replace the US dollar paving the way for greater Renminbi influence in the region. The previous President Bolsonaro favored bilateral ties with America, whereas Lula is playing both sides. China’s trade with Brazil is at an all-time high.
📰 Miami Firm Acquires Colombian Data Center
Miami’s I Squared Capital, through its Mexican subsidiary Kio, acquired the Zetta Data Center Complex in Bogota, Colombia from the developer and owner TC Latin America. This is Kio’s first investment in Colombia to complement the eight it owns in Mexico, and other facilities in Spain, Panama, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala.
📰 Argentina Hikes Interest Rates to 81%
This headlines makes America’s recent hikes look miniscule in comparison. This move was in response to inflation hitting 104%. J.P. Morgan estimates inflation could spike to 130%.The country is enduring 40% poverty rates.
Insights and Podcasts
In April, Emerging Real Estate published six global insights and interviewed two guests on the podcast.
Insights
💡 Delivering on Latin America’s Last-Mile
💡 Top 4 Reasons to Stop Making Online Purchase Immediately
💡 Mexico City is the Next “It” City and Major Real Estate Investment Hub
💡 IKEA’s $600 Million Latin American Expansion
💡 Data Center Investment Frenzy: Stalled or Just Beginning?
Podcasts
🎙️ Puerto Rico Real Estate with Nathan Whigham
🎙️ Nearshoring to Mexico with David M. Krakoff
