Argentina Finds Rare Global Commodity: Optimism

After two years of unrest, the national outlook in Argentina is slowly improving.

Turn on Bloomberg or CNN International, and you’ll see optimism is a rare global commodity these days. Gulf of Mexico residents watch their livelihoods disappear, the Euro hits a 4-year low against the dollar, and Iran prepares to join the flotilla party on the Gaza strip. Funny thing then this Argentina.

Maybe it’s PBES (Post-Bicentennial Euphoria Syndrome) or possibly PMOS (Pre-Mundial Optimism Syndrome). Or maybe it is a genuine belief among Argentines that the times they are a changing, and better days lie ahead. The front-page headline of La Nacion yesterday certainly suggests a strong shift in the winds of local expectations.

“After an extended period of a political and social conflicts, economic crisis and serious questions about the quality of their elected officials,” says La Nacion, “the negative national outlook has started to moderate regarding the country, the government and the future.”

According to the survey conducted by Poliarqui­a, twice as many Argentines are optimistic about the country’s future compared to just six months ago, while the number of residents who have a negative outlook fell 22 points from 54% to 32%.

While the numbers are encouraging, concerns persist on a variety of issues affecting Argentines like unemployment, poverty and insecurity. In summary, La Nacion cautions public officials against breaking out the party hats; yet, a rising tide of optimism anywhere in the world today deserves a second look. (Full Story in Spanish)