The performance of urban economic structures can be analyzed in different ways and from different methodological perspectives. Nevertheless, it is imperative to undertake an initial overview in terms of comparative dynamics over time. Based on this, the research provides an approach to the issue over the period 2001-2008, applying the paradigm of urban competitiveness, to analyze a selection of indicators of urban competitiveness (city rankings). This process is complemented by an exercise that identifies some of the key factors that influence the current performance and regional positioning of a representative sample of metropolitan economies in Latin America.