Peru central bank economist warns El Ni?o could hurt fishing, sees solid economy

LIMA, June 12 (Reuters) - Peru's economy is "doing well," underpinned by rising domestic demand and private investment, central bank chief economist Adrian Armas said on Friday, although he warned the El Ni?o weather pattern could cloud the outlook.

* Armas said in a call with journalists that imports of capital goods and domestic cement consumption linked to construction rose in April and May, alongside strong local investment.

* He added that recent reports suggest a moderate El Ni?o - the weather pattern that is expected to cause extreme weather around the world this year, from heavy rains to drought.

* So far, El Ni?o is hitting the fishing sector as warmer sea temperatures drive away anchovy, a key input in fishmeal production.

* Peru is one of the world's largest producers of fishmeal, widely used in animal feed.

* "We are seeing an El Ni?o that is intensifying, but we are also seeing domestic demand showing solid momentum," Armas said. "The economy is doing well, based on the indicators we have shown."

* Peru has posted one of Latin America's most stable growth rates in recent years despite persistent political turmoil, with eight presidents since 2018. It is currently awaiting the outcome of a tightly contested presidential election. (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Fabiola Ar?mburo, Editing by Daina Beth Solomon)