| This book is the result of an in-depth analysis about the Central American financial market's competitiveness conditions during the 90's. It provides details about the primary characteristics of the Central America financial systems, paying particular attention to interpreting the current status and the region's bank market outlook, as well as the Central American stock and capital markets. Despite the major achievements in terms of the stability and growth reached during the past decade, the region is still highly sensitive to internal or external economic shocks. There are still macroeconomic imbalances and distortions that affect financial market development and efficiency. Although reforms have occurred to seek greater financial market depth in some countries, the strict monetary controls that have been applied in response to internal imbalances have not favored the greater development of other economies. The macroeconomic imbalances are still responsible for an interest rate volatility and are responsible, in part, for the elevated brokerage margins.
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