Venezuela’s Maduro Raises Taxes, Reserves to Help Growth

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro raised taxes on goods ranging from yachts to rum and increased international reserves as the government responds to the lowest oil prices in four years. Bonds rallied by the most in almost six years.

The president said in a four-hour televised address late yesterday that the 28 laws he signed using decree powers will restore growth in an economy suffering the world’s fastest inflation and shortages of basic goods. He ordered that a $4 billion loan from China be added to international reserves.