< The 2015 Latin America Research Team

Total appearances: 18

Team debut: 1997J.P. Morgan’s metals and mining squad in São Paulo rises from runner-up to secure third place, the position it most recently held in 2010. The researchers, under the direction of Rodolfo De Angele, 42, “bring a lot of commodities experience to the table,” observes one supporter. Another fund manager especially values their on-the-ground work, remarking that “their periodic field trips to mining facilities give us important insights.” Among the 15 names the three analysts monitor in this sector, mining and transportation conglomerate Grupo México is a favorite. They upgraded their rating on the shares from neutral to overweight in February, citing both high demand for copper and management’s announcement that it intends to spin off the company’s railroad assets. As of mid-July, Grupo México’s stock had gained 11.6 percent, advancing to 45.27 pesos and outdistancing its regional peers by 22.5 percentage points. De Angele and his teammates believe that a price of 55 pesos is justified.