Particle.news

Banxico Signals Pause in Cuts, Says Hike Is Possible if Disinflation Falters

Policymakers say they will wait for clearer evidence of convergence to the 3% inflation target before resuming easing.

Overview

  • Minutes from the December meeting show the board will evaluate the timing of any additional adjustments to the 7% policy rate based on incoming data.
  • Subgovernor Jonathan Heath cautioned that if convergence weakens, the central bank should consider raising the benchmark rate again.
  • INEGI reported headline inflation at 3.69% for 2025 within Banxico’s target range, while core inflation remained elevated at 4.33%.
  • Analysts, including Banamex and Citi survey respondents, now expect a cautious pause through roughly May 2026, with the next policy decision set for February 5.
  • The board noted weak late‑2025 activity and signs of labor market cooling, and it expects IEPS changes and higher tariffs to have mostly one‑off, transitory price effects.