• Sister companies, LASCO Manufacturing (LASM) and LASCO Distributors (LASD), both opened FY2027 with stronger year-on-year earnings. LASM grew net profit by 9.0% to $674.11Mn, while LASD stole the spotlight with a 45.4% surge to $441.95Mn, supported by stronger revenue growth and improved margins.
• LASD took the lead on sales, with revenue climbing 16.1% to $8.44Bn, supported by strong demand across its food, home care & personal care, and pharmaceutical segments. Its export business also continued to gain momentum, underscoring the merits of the company’s diversification strategy. LASM also kept pace, growing revenue 7.2% to $3.13Bn buoyed by demand across its beverage portfolio.
• Importantly, both companies converted higher sales into improved gross profitability, as revenue growth outpaced the increase in cost of sales. LASM’s gross margin expanded by 67 basis points to 39.10%, supported by a more favourable sales mix and strategic price adjustments to offset higher supplier costs. Meanwhile, LASD’s gross margin widened by 95 basis points to 18.31%, helping gross profit increase 22.4%, compared with growth of 9.1% at LASM. The margin expansion across both businesses is particularly encouraging as it suggests that growth is being accompanied by improved pricing and product-mix economics rather than volumes alone.
• Growing the family business, however, came with higher operating costs. Operating expenses increased 15.8% at LASM, outpacing its revenue growth, as selling and administrative expenses rose amid continued marketing and promotional investment. LASD proved more efficient in this regard, with operating expenses increasing at a comparatively slower 8.3%, despite its 16.1% revenue growth.
• Similarly, finance costs increased across both companies during the period. LASM's finance expenses rose 1,098.6% to $19.11Mn, albeit from a very low comparative base of $1.6Mn. Meanwhile, LASD's finance costs more than doubled to $16.33Mn, driven by additional debt incurred to support its warehouse expansion strategy and enhance distribution capacity.
• Looking ahead, the LASCO sister companies remain positioned for further growth, though each is pursuing a slightly different path. LASM’s J$1.00Bn+ capacity investment should support greater factory automation production efficiency and regional export expansion, providing scope for stronger operating leverage as utilisation improves. LASD, meanwhile, continues to build on its expanded warehouse capacity, easing logistics pressures, broadening its presence in higher-margin pharmaceutical and healthcare categories, and carefully managing working capital to enhance shareholder value.
• Continued export expansion across the wider LASCO group also provides an avenue to diversify revenues beyond the domestic market. However, even the strongest families face challenges. The ongoing US-Iran conflict could drive oil prices higher and disrupt global supply chains, creating risks for LASM's raw material costs and LASD's reliance on imported goods.
• Despite LASD delivering the stronger earnings performance, the market has rewarded LASM more heavily so far this year. LASM’s stock has advanced 29.7% year-to-date, compared with just 0.9% for LASD, to close at $7.47 and J$3.41, respectively, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Even after LASM’s rally, however, both companies continue to trade below their sector benchmark. LASM trades at a P/E of 11.2x, while LASD trades at 10.0x, compared with the Main Market Manufacturing & Distribution sector average of 17.6x.

(Sources: JSE & NCBCM Research)

• One Great Studio Company Limited (1GS), has acquired the business of FarmHouse Creative Marketing Ltd, a Jamaica-based creative agency founded by Vanessa Henderson. The acquisition supports 1GS’s strategy of building a diversified portfolio of specialised marketing and communications agencies across the Caribbean.
• FarmHouse Creative brings established expertise in branding, creative direction, social media management, and strategic marketing, enhancing 1GS’s ability to provide broader end-to-end services to clients. The agency’s experience spans sectors including hospitality, real estate, consumer goods, and lifestyle brand.
• The acquisition has a total value of J$36Mn, inclusive of a performance-based earn-out arrangement that will be paid over a three-year period. This structure aligns the acquisition with future performance and continued growth of the FarmHouse brand within the 1GS group.
• Vanessa Henderson will continue to lead FarmHouse Creative following the acquisition, ensuring continuity for clients and maintaining the agency’s existing culture and identity. She will also serve as Director of Brand & Creative for 1GS, contributing her expertise to the wider group’s creative strategy and development.
• While retaining its name and operating as a distinct brand within 1GS, FarmHouse will benefit from access to the group’s broader team, technology, specialist talent, and resources. The agency will serve as 1GS’s dedicated creative, social media, and brand strategy arm while continuing to pursue independent client opportunities.
• The FarmHouse acquisition represents the third acquisition completed by 1GS as it continues expanding its portfolio of specialised agency brands. The group’s portfolio now includes High Voltage Digital, DRT Communications, and FarmHouse Creative, reinforcing its ambition to build a leading regional marketing and creative services platform.
• 1GS’s stock price has decreased by 32.1% since the start of the year to close at $0.24 on August 5, 2026.

(Sources: JSE & NCBCM Research)

• Banco de Mexico (Banxico) Mexico's central bank, held its benchmark interest rate at 6.50% on Thursday, ​extending a pause that began in June and pushing back the ‌timeline for inflation to return to target. This underscores the challenge of taming price pressures in Latin America's second-largest economy.
• This decision was ​in line with market expectations and said it would likely maintain ​the current setting for now. "Both headline and core inflation are still ⁠expected to decline throughout the forecast horizon, albeit more gradually than previously ​anticipated," the bank said in its policy statement.
• Banxico left its 2026 forecasts for ​both headline and core inflation unchanged at 3.5% but said headline inflation would now converge to its 3.0% target only in the fourth quarter of 2027, later than the second ​quarter of 2027 projected previously.
• This delay pointed to stubborn underlying price pressures as a key inflation risk. Other risks include possible trade disruptions, global conflicts, climate-related shocks, rising business costs and the chance of a weaker peso. It also said changes in U.S. policy and worsening international tensions were making the outlook harder to predict.
• Mexico's economy rebounded in the second quarter after contracting in the prior three-month period. Preliminary data released last week ⁠by statistics agency INEGI showed gross domestic product grew 1.5% ​in the second quarter from the previous quarter, after a 0.6% contraction in the first quarter.

(Source: Reuters)

• The 2026-2027 El Niño could affect jobs and livelihoods across the Caribbean, with agriculture, fisheries and tourism among the sectors most exposed to the climate phenomenon, according to a new report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
• El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern marked by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. It can disrupt global weather patterns, bringing drought, heatwaves or excessive rainfall to different regions.
• The ILO says the Caribbean is among the regions expected to experience drought, water shortages and heatwaves during the 2026-2027 El Niño, putting agriculture, fisheries and tourism at particular risk.
• In a policy brief examining the likely labour impacts of El Niño across Latin America and the Caribbean, the ILO said the 2026-2027 event could reduce employment, lower incomes and worsen working conditions, particularly for informal workers, rural communities and people who work outdoors.
• The ILO also cautions that the effects of El Niño could extend beyond the workplace, contributing to food insecurity, higher food and energy prices, reduced productivity and an increased risk of child labour as vulnerable households struggle to cope. These pressures could be especially severe in the Caribbean, where high levels of informal employment leave many workers without access to social protection and other support mechanisms that help people recover from climate-related shocks.
• The ILO says the impacts are not inevitable, stressing that governments can reduce the risks by strengthening social protection, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, improving occupational safety and health, expanding early warning systems and promoting social dialogue.

(Source: Barbados Today)

• Oil prices settled more than US$3 per barrel higher on Thursday, August 6, 2026, after an Iranian parliament committee began reviewing a bill that would ban U.S., Israeli and other vessels deemed hostile from transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose 3.83% to US$82.49 per barrel, while WTI gained 2.75% to US$77.29.
• The proposed legislation, which would also impose fines of up to 20% of cargo value on vessels that violate the ban, comes as negotiations over reopening the Strait continue.
• Geopolitical tensions remained elevated as Yemen's Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi deployments in Yemen and reported attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The attacks underscore that risks to global energy supplies now extend beyond the Persian Gulf, with the Red Sea also remaining vulnerable to disruption.
• Gulf countries' crude oil and condensate exports stood at about 40% below pre-war levels in July. Meanwhile, Iran warned Gulf states that any new U.S. attack on its territory would trigger strikes on critical regional energy infrastructure.
• The outlook for oil prices remains closely tied to developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, with investors continuing to monitor negotiations and shipping conditions for signs of a durable agreement. Traffic through the Strait remains low, and the path to a lasting deal remains unclear, leaving investors focused on further developments.

(Sources: Reuters & Bloomberg)

• The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose slightly by 1,000 to 199,000 in the week ended August 1, remaining below economists' expectations of 202,000. Meanwhile, planned layoffs fell 27% to 33,429 in July, the lowest level in two years, consistent with a stable labour market.
• Claims have fallen considerably since surging in early June and remain near the lower end of this year's range. Layoffs have also remained low despite the oil price shock from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. There were no signs of widespread job losses linked to the AI buildout, with announced layoffs down 46% from a year ago and 41% lower year-to-date.
• Continuing claims, a proxy for hiring, increased by 24,000 to 1.801 million, while economists expect nonfarm payrolls to increase by 80,000 jobs in July, following a gain of 57,000 in June. The unemployment rate is forecast to remain unchanged at 4.2%, although weaker consumer perceptions of job availability suggest some downside risk.
• Worker productivity increased at an annualised rate of 1.4% in the second quarter, well above economists' expectations of 0.6%, while unit labour costs rose 1.3%, below the 2.1% forecast. Economists said stronger productivity, partly supported by businesses adopting artificial intelligence, helped contain labour cost pressures.
• Despite the favourable productivity data, economists noted that unit non-labour payments surged 14.0%, the fastest pace in four years, suggesting inflation pressures remain beyond labour costs alone. The Federal Reserve is therefore expected to remain focused on inflation, with some economists still anticipating an interest rate increase next month if price pressures do not ease.
• The combination of a stable labour market, faster productivity growth and contained labour costs gives the Federal Reserve greater room to focus on inflation risks stemming from the Middle East conflict. However, economists cautioned that stronger productivity alone will not be sufficient to return inflation to the Fed's 2% target while non-labour costs continue to rise.

(Source: Reuters)

• Renewable energy producer Wigton Energy Limited ran low on energy in the quarter ended June 30, 2026 (Q1 2026), with net income declining 34.8% YoY to $168.99Mn. The weaker performance was largely driven by lower revenues and other income and higher general and administrative expenses, which took some wind out of earnings.
• Revenues for the quarter lost some power, declining 4.4% to $786.19Mn as lower electricity generation reduced output. Electricity production decreased by 2.0% to 49.2 million kWh. Meanwhile, other income lost its spark, falling 68.0% to $22.02Mn due to lower interest income and the absence of foreign exchange gains, contributing to a $46.70Mn reduction.
• Despite lower revenues, cost of sales remained fully charged, rising 21.3% to $279.51Mn, which could be a result of fixed costs and maintenance costs that are independent of high revenues. The mismatch between costs and output generated pressure on margins, with gross margin losing voltage and contracting 7.5 percentage points to 64.4%.
• General and administrative expenses also encountered headwinds, climbing 7.8% to $246.44Mn. The increase was primarily driven by higher operating and maintenance costs associated with the lingering effects of the 2024 and 2025 hurricanes, together with continued investment in people, technology, and organisational capabilities to power the Company's long-term growth plan.
• While operating performance faced headwinds, finance costs provided a welcome tailwind, declining 44.8% to $43.15Mn due to continued debt repayment and disciplined treasury management.
• Looking ahead, Wigton is shifting gears and broadening its energy mix, expanding beyond traditional wind generation by pursuing key growth initiatives, notably advancing two major Jamaican utility-scale solar projects totalling 70.53 MW (with a 49.83 MW project currently finalising financing, land access, and approvals) while actively exploring commercial/industrial solar, battery energy storage, and broader Caribbean expansion.
• Successfully bringing these 70+ MW capacity and storage pipeline online would diversify its revenues, drive long-term revenue and cash flow growth, and support sustainable capital returns and dividend capacity backed by high standards of corporate governance.
• WIPT’s stock price has decreased by 14.7% since the start of the year to close at $1.10 on August 4, 2026. At this price, the stock is trading at a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 2.1x, which is below the Main Market Energy, Industrial and Materials (EIM) Sector’s average of 2.5x.

(Sources: JSE & NCBCM Research)

• Jamaica and the Republic of Ghana are poised to deepen cooperation in key areas, including health, education, tourism and air services, following extensive bilateral discussions between the leaders of both nations. Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, held bilateral talks with Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston.
• President Mahama is in Jamaica on a State Visit through Wednesday (August 5). He is accompanied by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Deputy Minister of Defence, Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi. In a media statement, Dr. Holness noted that President Mahama’s visit underscores and strengthens the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Jamaica and Ghana.
• He noted that the health cooperation agreement is already delivering tangible benefits, including the expected arrival of Ghanaian nurses to help strengthen Jamaica's healthcare system. Dr. Holness also highlighted last month's Virtual Investment and New Markets Ministerial Business Mission, part of a broader strategy to deepen engagement with continental Africa, saying the initiative fostered meaningful business connections between Jamaican and Ghanaian companies.
• By strengthening connectivity between their ports, Jamaica and Ghana could provide exporters and investors on both sides of the Atlantic with a more efficient gateway to new markets. “We can make it easier for your Ghanaian exporters to reach the Caribbean and the Americas and easier for a Jamaican exporter to reach Africa, particularly within the context of the African continental free trade area,” the Prime Minister affirmed.
• Holness added that Jamaica places great value on its relationship with Ghana, as a trusted friend and partner with whom it shares common aspirations for sustainable development, inclusive growth, and a stronger voice for developing countries and the international community. In his remarks, President Mahama noted that, building on their historic ties, Jamaica and Ghana have fresh opportunities to strengthen solidarity and advance the economic empowerment and prosperity of their peoples.
• President Mahama said engagement would provide a strong foundation for promoting cross-investment opportunities between both countries. He also highlighted that President Mahama indicated that he was looking forward to meeting with Jamaican business leaders to discuss investment opportunities in Ghana and, by extension, across Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

(Source: JIS)

• Tourism Minister Gary Rutty says the sector has delivered significant economic growth for the first half of this year for the Cayman Islands as the British Overseas Territory registered a near 7.0% increase in cruise ship passengers.
• Figures released by the Department of Tourism show that for the first half of 2026, the island welcomed 681,391 cruise passengers, a 6.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025, with tourism officials saying this increase underscored the destination’s robust growth trajectory across every segment of the tourism industry.
• “Tourism is one of the strongest engines of our national economy, and a record first half of the year means that engine is delivering for Caymanians,” said Rutty, adding that “growth of this type extends well beyond the arrivals hall. “It is shown in the wages of our hospitality workers, in the order books of our restaurants, taxi operators, water sports businesses and small suppliers, and in the confidence of those choosing to invest in our tourism product.”
• According to the tourism figures released here, the Cayman Islands welcomed 40,460 stayover visitors in June 2026, recording its eighth consecutive month of year-over-year stayover growth. This was a 6.9% increase compared with June 2025, with growth led by the United States and strongly supported by increased visitation from Canada and Europe.
• June’s performance solidified a record first half of 2026 for the destination, with stayover arrivals between January and June reaching 288,694, an increase of 11.3% from the same period in 2025. The destination also welcomed 55,639 cruise passengers in June, an increase of 15.5% compared with June 2025. Total visitation for June, including both stayover and cruise passengers, was 96,099, up 11.7% year over year.
• Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism explained that the growth reflects the “disciplined execution of a clear strategy – diversifying our source markets, securing, and sustaining airlift, deepening our travel trade relationships, and keeping the Cayman Islands visible in the markets that matter most. Canada’s rise from a secondary market to a primary one, and the new Austin service that followed our aviation trade engagement, are examples of that work translating into measurable results.”
• The Department remains focused on strengthening airlift, deepening travel trade partnerships in growing markets like Canada, the UK, Ireland and Europe, and continuing to position the Cayman Islands as a preferred year-round destination.

(Source: Cayman Island Government and Caribbean Times)

• Latin America holds about 40.0% of the world's copper reserves and 60.0% of global lithium brine resources. However, regulatory challenges, infrastructure gaps and financing constraints threaten the region's ability to become a leading producer of critical minerals in the coming years according to Moody’s.
• The region, particularly Chile, Peru, Argentina and Brazil, also has significant deposits of nickel, graphite and rare earth elements. Despite that potential, structural bottlenecks, technical challenges and macroeconomic and regulatory uncertainty continue to hinder the sector's development.
• While demand for critical minerals is expected to keep rising, developing, processing and refining capacity remains more difficult than expanding mining operations, limiting the region's ability to capture more value from the supply chain.
• The agency noted that Chile benefits from an experienced workforce and infrastructure that could support expanded lithium refining. However, it also faces water shortages, rising energy demand and stricter environmental requirements. Peru retains strong advantages in copper production, although social conflicts and political instability have slowed investment. Brazil stands out for its energy matrix and mineral resources but still faces technological gaps and remains heavily dependent on international partnerships to expand its mineral processing capabilities.
• The report also explained that the regional market is advancing at two different speeds. Large mining companies, including Chile's Codelco and Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) and Brazil's Vale, benefit from their scale, experience and access to financing. Smaller and newer mining companies, however, face greater challenges securing capital and long-term contracts, even when they control high-quality mineral resources.
• Patrick Hall, Deloitte's Energy, Resources and Industrials leader in Chile, told UPI that Latin America has the conditions to become one of the world's leading suppliers of critical minerals, but cautioned that the opportunity should be viewed realistically. “The combination of large copper and lithium reserves, together with growing demand driven by the energy transition, electrification, digitalization and, more recently, national security concerns, positions the region as a strategic supplier for global markets," Hall said.  However, he said competition now extends beyond mineral deposits to entire jurisdictions, meaning regulatory or operational obstacles can become decisive barriers to investment.

(Source: MSN)