During the session, USD/MXN has shown a decline of around -0.5%, favoring the Mexican peso. The recent strength of the Mexican currency is mainly linked to the release of new inflation data that could eventually point toward a slightly more hawkish tone from Mexico’s central bank in the short term. This has begun to support a consistent recovery in the peso, taking ground away from the US dollar. If a more restrictive stance is confirmed following these data, it could become a relevant fundamental catalyst for stronger selling pressure in USD/MXN in the coming sessions.
Inflation data released in Mexico
During today’s session, according to Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), annual inflation reached approximately 3.9% in the first half of February, marking three consecutive biweekly increases and the highest level since November 2025. Core inflation (which excludes volatile goods) stood at around 4.52% annually, clearly above Banco de México’s 3% target, which allows a one-percentage-point variation range.
It is important to recall that, according to the latest Banco de México minutes, the benchmark interest rate was held at 7.00% while inflation trends were being evaluated. However, with this new data reflecting persistent pressures, expectations of a firmer stance could begin to consolidate, either through a pause in future rate cuts or even by considering a more restrictive path if inflation fails to ease.
This becomes particularly relevant when comparing Banco de México’s rate (7.00%) with the US Federal Reserve’s rate (3.75%), maintaining a 3.25% rate differential. In a scenario where Banxico has less room to cut and the Fed keeps rates stable in upcoming decisions, this differential could remain in place in the coming months, preserving the relative attractiveness of peso-denominated assets.
Source: TradingEconomics
Under this context, persistent inflation and the sustained differential could continue supporting demand for Mexican peso assets, especially in the fixed-income market, which offers higher yields compared to the United States. This factor has been key to the peso’s strength in recent months and, if maintained, could continue favoring a structural bearish dynamic in USD/MXN in the short term.
Do potential tariffs pose a risk?
It is also important not to overlook the announcement of potential 15% global tariffs proposed over the weekend by the Trump administration, which has generated renewed trade tensions in international markets. However, no official implementation date has been confirmed, and markets have so far interpreted it as a warning that could eventually be softened.
That said, more than 80% of Mexico’s exports depend on the United States. If these comments materialize into concrete measures, they could significantly affect confidence in Mexico’s trade dynamics. In that scenario, the peso could face a renewed loss of confidence similar to past tariff announcements. In such a case, the attractiveness derived from the rate differential could move to the background, opening the door to renewed buying pressure in USD/MXN in the medium term.
Technical outlook for USD/MXN
Source: StoneX, Tradingview
- Large bearish channel remains relevant: Over the long term, a broad bearish channel that has prevailed since 2025 remains intact and continues to be the most relevant technical structure. So far, no rebound has been strong enough to threaten this formation. However, recent price action has shown a phase of neutrality, attempting to consolidate a short-term sideways range between 17.50 and 17.10 pesos per dollar. If price fails to define a clearer direction, this lateral channel could gain further relevance in upcoming sessions.
- RSI: The RSI line remains consistently below the 50 level. While this does not confirm absolute selling dominance over the last 14 sessions, it does highlight that downward pressure could remain relevant, especially if the bearish slope of the RSI becomes more pronounced.
- ADX: The ADX line is trending lower, moving closer to the neutral 20 level. Although this does not indicate a lack of movement, it does suggest a loss of directional strength in the short term. In this context, while selling pressure could persist, its intensity may moderate as price approaches key technical barrier levels.
Key levels:
- 17.86 – Main resistance: Level aligned with the long-term bearish trendline. A sustained move toward this zone could put the dominant bearish structure at risk and open space for a more relevant buying bias in the medium term.
- 17.50 – Current barrier: Zone aligned with the 50-period moving average. Moves back toward this level would reinforce the perception of neutrality and could consolidate a more consistent short-term sideways range.
- 17.11 – Relevant support: Level not seen since April 2024. A sustained break below this zone could intensify the bearish channel and reinforce the dominance of the selling bias in USD/MXN.
Written by Julian Pineda, CFA, CMT – Market Analyst
Follow him on: @julianpineda25
