(MENAFN- The Rio Times) The Mexican Peso and stock market opened November 5 under pressure, reflecting broader global unease as the US Dollar strengthened and risk appetite waned.

The Peso weakened to 18.69 per US Dollar, a 0.63% decline, while the benchmark S&P/BMV IPC index slipped 0.60% to 60,864.51, erasing recent gains as investors sought safety amid US political instability and lingering inflation concerns.

The Peso's decline was driven by a resurgent US Dollar Index, which climbed 0.32% to 100.19, its highest level in weeks.

The Federal Reserve 's cautious stance on further interest rate cuts, combined with stubborn US inflation and a protracted government shutdown, bolstered the greenback, weighing on emerging market currencies.

Technical charts reinforced the bearish sentiment, with the USD/MXN pair breaking above key resistance at 18.65, signaling potential further losses for the Peso if the Dollar's rally persists.



Mexico's stock market mirrored the gloomy mood. The IPC index, after a strong run in October, struggled to hold ground as global equities faltered.

US tech stocks, a bellwether for risk sentiment, led Wall Street lower, dragging down Mexican shares. Among the day's top losers were Fomento Económico Mexicano (FEMSA), Grupo México, and Alfa, each dropping over 1.5% as investors trimmed exposure to cyclical sectors.

Meanwhile, defensive plays like Walmart de México and Coca-Cola FEMSA managed modest gains, highlighting a shift toward stability amid volatility.

The market's retreat comes at a delicate moment. While Mexico's economy has shown resilience, external pressures-rising US interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and softening commodity prices-are testing investor confidence.

Oil, a critical export for Mexico, fell below $65 per barrel, adding to the Peso's woes. Analysts warn that if the Fed delays rate cuts, capital could continue flowing out of emerging markets, further straining assets like the Peso and local equities.



Political risks also loom large. In the US, regional elections revealed growing voter dissatisfaction with economic management, particularly rising living costs and stagnant wages.

The results underscored the challenges facing policymakers, with conservative voices gaining traction by emphasizing fiscal discipline and market-friendly reforms.
Markets weigh Mexico's stability against global headwinds
In contrast, left-wing proposals, such as expanded social spending and tax hikes, faced setbacks, reinforcing market preferences for pragmatic, business-oriented governance.

Despite the downturn, some bright spots emerged. America Móvil, the telecom giant, bucked the trend with a 1.2% gain, benefiting from steady demand for digital services.

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico also rose, as travel sector resilience offset broader market weakness. Yet, the overall tone remained cautious, with traders eyeing upcoming US economic data for clues on the Fed's next move.

Technical analysis suggests the Peso could test 18.80 if Dollar strength persists, while the IPC may find support near 60,500.

For now, Mexico's markets are caught between domestic stability and global headwinds-a balancing act that will define their trajectory in the weeks ahead.

With conservative economic policies gaining ground in key markets, the pressure is on Mexico to maintain its appeal as a haven for investment in an uncertain world.

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