South America, which boasts a range of basic resources and agriculture, is showing signs of rebounding from the global recession. But political uncertainty continues to plague the continent.

It's hard to find a spare tire in Cuba these days, or a cup of yogurt. Air conditioners are shut off in the dead heat. Factories close at peak hours, and workers go without their government-subsidized lunches.

Aruban health authorities checked passengers and crew from the cruise ship Ocean Dream on Friday for signs of the swine flu that cut short their Caribbean trip, and some could find themselves spending still more time on board.

Latin American stocks were mixed Tuesday as Brazil officially slipped into recession and Mexico reported a slight drop in May inflation, boosting chances of an interest rate cut.

As talk of the United States' ability to keep its AAA rating resurfaced Wednesday, one analyst told CNBC that the impact could be prove a major drag on the strength of the dollar.