2015 All-Latin America Research Team: Sovereign Debt, No. 3: Alejandro Grisanti & team

<The 2015 Latin America Research Team Alejandro Grisanti & teamBarclaysFirst-place appearances: 0

Total appearances: 3

Team debut: 1994

Barclays’ crew returns to this roster after a two-year absence, capturing third place — its highest ranking to date — under the leadership of newcomerAlejandro Grisanti. These six researchers are headquartered in Mexico City and New York, and they impress investors with their comprehensive understanding of Latin American countries, as well as what one advocate deems their “global presence.” Buffeted by the decline in commodities prices and a likely U.S. rates increase, the region is suffering from rising inflation, diminished purchasing power, advancing inequality and expanding poverty, says the 48-year-old group head. “In this context, politics will be the principal factor to follow in Latin America in 2015, as the continent debates between change and continuity,” he advises, citing Argentina’s October presidential contest and Venezuela’s National Assembly elections in December as just two examples. In June legislative elections, voters in Mexico opted “for continuity, allowing the government to push the pending reform agenda,” Grisanti notes, and that nation is enjoying “an improving economy as the U.S. recovery consolidates, [which] should support Mexico’s strong fundamentals.” Accordingly, the researchers recommend an overweight position in Mexico. Grisanti earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as degrees in economics and computer engineering from Venezuela’s Universidad Católica Andrés Bello and Universidad Simón Bolívar, respectively. Before signing on with Barclays in April 2008, he founded a consulting firm, Ecoanalítica, and served as chief economist at Banco de Venezuela, Grupo Santander.