Dr. Mário Centeno, former Governor of the Bank of Portugal (2020–2025) and former Minister of Finance of Portugal (2015–2020), joined the University of Miami–CEMLA Conference for an in-depth discussion on Europe’s macroeconomic landscape and the future of fiscal coordination in monetary unions.

In this interview with Dr. David Andolfatto, Chair of the Department of Economics at the University of Miami Herbert Business School, Dr. Centeno reflects on how his academic background at Harvard shaped his approach to policy-making and how data-driven decision-making can bridge the gap between economic theory and political reality.

Topics include:

• Europe’s macroeconomic outlook after the pandemic and inflation shocks

• The revision of the Stability and Growth Pact and Eurogroup reforms

• Fiscal discipline versus investment flexibility in a risk-averse Europe

• The need for a Capital Markets Union and stronger fiscal capacity

• Private investment dynamics and the role of “backstops” in building confidence

• Lessons Europe offers for Latin America and North America

This conversation was filmed during the 30th Anniversary CEMLA Conference (2025), where Dr. Centeno delivered his keynote address titled “Monetary Policy in a World of High Fiscal Deficits and Trade Fragmentation: From Tailwinds to Headwinds,” honoring Dr. Allan Herbert.

Large US multinationals have traditionally been concentrated mainly in New York or Silicon Valley. However, for the past three years or so, the state of Florida has seen a significant increase in the number of technology and financial companies seeking a better location with tax benefits.

The same is true for important multimillionaires who have decided to settle with their families in the south of the state to continue their life in the hot climate of Miami and the hustle and bustle of the city.

How much are Americans spendind on groceries?

When looking to move to a new area, it’s important to consider how much cost-of-living expenses will affect your budget. Grocery prices in particular have taken a big bite out of consumers’ incomes in recent years.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, American households spent an average of $1,174 per month on groceries in Oct. 2023, up from $1,108 in Nov. 2022. That marks an average increase of nearly 6% in nearly a year, but grocery bills in 24 states grew even more rapidly during that period.

With grocery prices spiking over such a short period, were wages able to keep up across the U.S.? To find out, ConsumerAffairs compiled 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau on household spending and income to determine how much of consumers’ wages were spent on groceries and where in the U.S. spending increased or decreased the most.

Hundreds of PortMiami workers could strike if contract talks fail

¿Cómo impacta a tu bolsillo el recorte de la tasa de interés anunciado por la Reserva Federal?