The Rio Times

Peru suspended train service to Machu Picchu on August 4, 2026, due to a wildfire near the railway that caused rocks to fall on the tracks, stranding hundreds of passengers. The fire occurred around kilometer 107 of the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route, making rail travel unsafe.

Pampa Energía reported record Q2 2026 sales of US$746 million (up 53% year-on-year) and adjusted EBITDA of US$415 million (up 75%). Net income attributable to shareholders reached US$172 million, with the company eyeing an US$11 billion expansion plan.

The Fujimori government announced a US$20.6 billion investment in Lima's metro infrastructure. Keiko Fujimori was sworn in on 28 July 2026, with Luis Galarreta as prime minister and Elmer Cuba as economy and finance minister. Key appointments include Fabrizio Orrego Peche and Erick Lahura as vice-ministers in the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Democrats leading Republicans on economic performance for the first time in about a decade, with 37% to 36%. Former President Trump is mentioned with 35% support, though context is incomplete.

The Europe Intelligence Brief for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, was first published on The Rio Times.

BYD launched the Song Pro Super Híbrido Flex, a flex-fuel plug-in hybrid, in Brazil on 4 August 2026. The vehicle uses a DM-i 5.0 system with a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine compatible with gasoline or ethanol.

Ibrahim Traoré, nearly four years after seizing power in Burkina Faso, faces persistent violence, 2 million displaced people, and a crackdown on clerics. His global icon status contrasts with these domestic challenges.

Zimbabwe's lithium exports earned US$782.2 million in the first half of 2026, reflecting a 229.8% increase and establishing lithium as the country's third-largest mineral export.

Nigeria's National Economic Council has approved Project Gazelle 2, a US$4.5 billion oil-backed refinancing of the 2023 deal, unlocking US$3 billion in liquidity. The project aims to provide liquidity through oil-backed financing.

Itaú Unibanco reported a record recurring managerial result of US$2.4 billion in Q2 2026, a 7.8% increase from the previous year, marking its 11th consecutive quarter of rising recurring profit. The bank also announced a cut in its fee outlook.

Brazil downgraded diplomatic relations with Argentina to the level of chargé d’affaires on 4 August 2026, recalling Ambassador Julio Bitelli. The dispute followed President Javier Milei's third insult against President Lula, calling him a 'thief' since Sunday.

Soybean, corn, and wheat prices declined due to a stronger US dollar, improved US crop conditions, and cautious demand from China. Brazil's export sector is monitoring the situation as tracker funds for these commodities slip.

Lithium proxies across the Lithium Triangle, including LIT ETF, Albemarle, and SQM, experienced gains driven by renewed electric-vehicle demand signals and policy stability. The article was first published on The Rio Times.

Mercosur spent two decades negotiating with Europe while overlooking Southeast Asia. Brazil appointed its first dedicated ASEAN ambassador, Henrique Archanjo Ferraro, in March 2024, marking a shift in regional strategy.

Colombia is 2–3 percent more expensive than Brazil overall for expats in 2026, with housing costs in Colombia being 14–20 percent higher, according to Expatistan data. The cost gap varies significantly by category and city, particularly in capital cities.

Brazilian tax residency for foreigners is triggered by a permanent visa or 184 days of presence in a 12-month period on a temporary visa. Tax residents pay IRPF on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 27.5 percent in 2026.

President William Ruto has ordered a monthly stipend of KSh 3,000 for over 106,000 village elders, starting in the 2026/27 financial year. The Treasury Cabinet Secretary allocated KSh 3.9 billion for this in the 2026/27 budget, which was signed into law in June 2026.

Mozambique's Parliament approved Law No. 8/2025 on 12 December 2025, which introduced new customs and tax procedure codes effective 1 January 2026. The law modifies tax application for traveller allowances, taxing only the difference between an item’s value and a specified threshold.

Guinea's army declared 'constant fidelity' and 'unshakeable loyalty' to President Doumbouya following public criticism. Doumbouya won the 28 December 2025 presidential election with 86.72 percent of the vote and was sworn in on 17 January 2026.

An illegal gold mine in Mabuka Village, Namayingo District, Uganda, collapsed on July 18, 2026, resulting in six deaths and seven survivors. The survivors were taken to Masafu Hospital in Busia District for treatment. Retrieval operations have concluded.

The USMCA trade deal was not renewed in its current form during the July 1 joint review, triggering rolling annual reviews instead. The agreement remains in force with unchanged preferential tariffs, rules of origin, and dispute settlement until a three-way renewal or expiration on July 1.

Guatemala's General Ports System Law is set for a final vote in Congress around 4 August 2026, following negotiations that resulted in 36 agreed amendments. The law, backed by the United States, aims to reform the country's ports sector governance.

Alejandro Toledo, who governed Peru from 2001 to 2006, has requested prison release on humanitarian grounds citing age and deteriorating health. His defense filed for a presidential grace and is considering a 2025 humanitarian law allowing house arrest.

In June 2026, Argentina's companies transferred approximately $1.023 billion in profits and dividends abroad, marking the largest monthly outflow since 2010. Key sectors contributing included energy, food, beverages and tobacco, mining, and financial firms.

LATAM Airlines shareholders approved a share repurchase program allowing up to 5% of the group’s stock (about 28.71 billion shares) at a meeting on 3 August 2026. The 5% cap corresponds to a market value of approximately US$15.5 billion as of the end of 2025.

Southern Copper Corporation marks 30 years on the New York Stock Exchange following the death of CEO Óscar González Rocha, which led to a reshaped leadership at Grupo México subsidiary.

A pilots' strike in Argentina, protesting Decree 690/2026, has stranded over 140 vessels on the Paraná River, disrupting grain and fuel exports via the nation's primary foreign-trade route. The blockade halts critical shipments through this key waterway.

President Javier Milei accepted a 25% cap on foreign land ownership to revive a stalled property bill, publicly broke with Vice President Victoria Villarruel, and announced he has selected his 2027 running mate.

Civil-society accountants warn that the absence of ring-fencing in Guyana's ExxonMobil-led Stabroek contract has cost the state billions as oil production exceeds 900,000 barrels daily. The alert highlights potential financial risks amid rising production.

Brazil's Copom is expected to reduce the Selic benchmark rate from 14.25% to 14.00% due to cooling inflation and market expectations of a less aggressive easing path than desired by Lula.

Ghana processed approximately 15,000 tonnes of cashew in 2025 out of an estimated 262,000 tonnes produced, with over 94% of the crop exported raw. The country processes under 6% of its cashew harvest.

Ghana reduced the diesel regulatory margin by GH¢2 for one month starting 4 August, following a 18.3% increase in the diesel price floor by the regulator. President Mahama announced the decision.

NNPC's profit after tax fell 35.4% to N2.28 trillion in the first half of 2026, equivalent to about US$1.7 billion, with remittances to Nigeria's Federation Account also decreasing.

A São Paulo court approved Raízen's R$61.4 billion extrajudicial restructuring on July 30, converting 45% of debt into new shares that will dilute Shell and Cosan's controlling stake.

Spot gold increased by 0.27% to US$4,054 an ounce and silver rose by 0.81% to US$58.26 as the dollar weakened. GLD and SLV ETFs also saw slight gains, closing at US$371.71 and US$52.46, respectively.

The S&P 500 closed at a record 7,600, rising 1.48%, while the dollar strengthened ahead of the ISM services report. The article was first published on The Rio Times.

Chile's Kast tax 'megareforma' is set for a decisive Senate vote, though potential presidential vetoes and a Constitutional Court challenge remain. Argentina's Monotributo deadline is approaching, and Colombia's incoming cabinet is now complete ahead of the Cali event.

Brazil's Ibovespa closed flat at 178,000 as a drop in Vale was offset by a surge in Embraer. The Brazilian real weakened slightly to 5.0882 per US dollar.

Chile's S&P IPSA increased by 0.30% and the peso strengthened to 925.48 per dollar, driven by a global risk-on mood. Retail and bank stocks were the leading contributors to the market gains.

Oil-focused equities declined across the Americas as the USO-tracking WTI proxy fell 5.46% to US$122.12. YPF dropped 2.82%, leading the slide in energy stocks.