Mexico cuts interest rate to 10.75% in divided vote, but sees higher inflation

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexico’s central bank lowered its benchmark interest rate to 10.75%, the monetary authority announced on Thursday, in a divided vote that cut the key borrowing rate from 11.00%.

Three members of the bank’s board voted to lower the rate by 25 basis points, while two others sought to hold it, according to a statement.

© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: The logo of Mexico's Central Bank (Banco de Mexico) is seen at its building in downtown Mexico City, Mexico April 24, 2024. REUTERS/Henry Romero/File Photo

The bank noted in its decision that it expects inflationary pressures in Latin America’s No. 2 economy to allow for further discussion of rate adjustments going forward.

The decision by Banxico, as the central bank is known, to cut rates went against a Reuters poll from earlier this week, in which a narrow majority of analysts surveyed expected the bank to keep the rate steady at 11%.