Security Policy Watch: Colombia’s incoming government says it will study El Salvador’s anti-crime playbook, including extortion crackdowns and prison reforms, after talks with El Salvador’s vice president ahead of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s swearing-in. Central Banking: Mexico’s central bank held its benchmark rate at 6.5% and pushed the inflation return-to-target timeline to late 2027, citing stubborn underlying pressures and risks from the peso and global shocks. Banking & Rates: Brazil’s big-bank CEOs backed further rate cuts after the central bank’s fourth straight cut to 14%, arguing restrictive policy is already doing its job while still watching the pace. Payments & Fintech: Brazil and China launched a pilot letting Chinese UnionPay app users pay at Brazilian Pix-connected merchants via QR codes, boosting cross-border convenience. Capital Markets / Commodities: Denarius Metals will buy 15.6% of Colombia’s Copper Giant and Trafigura secured long-term offtake rights for a fifth of future Mocoa output—another sign of renewed mining momentum. Regional Security Funding: Brazil and the IDB agreed up to $978m to expand support against organized crime, including homicide investigations and prison security. Corporate Earnings: MercadoLibre reported first-half results with net profit down 13.2% while revenue rose, and Diageo unveiled a $1bn cost-cutting turnaround plan.