Three concurrent forces—shifting global supply chains, peaking interest rates, and pro-investment political shifts—are creating a rare CAPEX-led growth cycle in Latin America, moving it beyond its traditional consumer-driven model.
Commodity capital expenditure booms historically occur during high-rate environments, not low ones. High rates signal an undersupply in the physical economy, indicating that capital must be deployed into 'asset-heavy' industries to meet demand, which in turn leads to a broad repricing of physical assets.
Brazil's next election presents a major catalyst. An opposition win would likely unlock pent-up investment and allow high real interest rates to fall, creating a virtuous cycle. Conversely, a win for the incumbent party would likely keep rates higher for longer, suppressing growth and investment.
The longest manufacturing recession on record (3 years of ISM below 50) is reversing. The combination of interest rate relief, 100% accelerated equipment depreciation, and reshoring trends is creating a powerful setup for capital-intensive industries to experience a significant boom.
Despite political polarization, FX volatility is expected to be less than half of the 20% depreciation seen in the last cycle. This is due to a less tense social fabric, more moderate economic agendas, and strong institutions that have proven effective at limiting executive power and radical reforms.
The global shift away from centralized manufacturing (deglobalization) requires redundant investment in infrastructure like semiconductor fabs in multiple countries. Simultaneously, the AI revolution demands enormous capital for data centers and chips. This dual surge in investment demand is a powerful structural force pushing the neutral rate of interest higher.
The traditional relationship where economic performance dictated political outcomes has flipped. Now, political priorities like tariff policies, reshoring, and populist movements are the primary drivers of economic trends, creating a more unpredictable environment for investors.
Unlike past economic cycles driven by consumer spending, Latin America's next growth phase will likely be fueled by capital expenditures (CAPEX) in infrastructure, AI, and factories, spurred by favorable global and local factors.
Unlike the 2021-22 cycle which coincided with post-COVID overheating, Latam economies now boast a more resilient backdrop with lower current account deficits, positive real policy rates, and moderated inflation. This strength, coupled with appealing valuations, provides a substantial cushion against political volatility for local rates markets.
A key driver for Latin American equities will be the reallocation of its own vast domestic capital. Even a minor shift from the region's 90-95% fixed-income allocation could profoundly deepen local equity markets, independent of foreign investment.
Current market strength and high valuations are sustained by a powerful, coordinated trifecta of global stimulus. Beyond traditional fiscal and monetary easing, a pro-risk shift in regulation provides a third, often overlooked, tailwind for corporate activity and risk-taking across major economies.