Weekly Summary

Key data of the week: inflation, economic growth, trade policies, and political developments worldwide. 

Key global events – Week of February 24 to 2 

This week, markets focused on inflation, economic growth, and trade policies. Here are the key developments across regions: 

• United States: Consumer confidence fell in February to its lowest level since 2021. Q4 2024 GDP grew at an annualized rate of 2.3%, driven by strong personal consumption (4.2%). Trump announced—and later reversed—tariffs on Mexico and Canada, now set to take effect on March 4. PCE inflation, closely monitored by the Fed, stood at 2.6% year-over-year. 

• Europe: In Germany, the center-right bloc won the elections, with Friedrich Merz set to become the new chancellor. Trump also proposed a 25% tariff on European Union products, including cars and semiconductors. 

• Japan: Inflation in the services sector rose to 3.1% year-over-year in January, reinforcing expectations of further interest rate adjustments. 

• China: Analysts expect housing prices to decline by 2.5% in 2024, with a slow recovery anticipated in the coming years. 

• Brazil: February inflation increased to 4.96% year-over-year, the highest since October 2023. However, the country surprised with the creation of 137,300 formal jobs, significantly exceeding expectations. 

• Mexico: Inflation in the first half of February reached 3.74%, accelerating from late January. Additionally, the government is considering potential tariffs on Chinese products in response to U.S. trade policy. 

We’ll continue to monitor these developments and their impact on the markets. 

Important events in the coming weeks: 

• March 3: In the United States, the ISM Manufacturing Index will be released. 
• March 7: In the United States, employment figures will be announced.

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Week of February 17 to 21 

Below are some key points that reflect the current economic landscape in different regions: 

• United States: The Fed’s minutes show that members require further inflation reduction before lowering rates again. Governor Michelle Bowman emphasized the need for more data confirming inflation progress. Meanwhile, President Trump announced the possibility of imposing 25% tariffs on imports of automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals starting April 2. 

• Europe: Geopolitical tensions escalated after U.S. talks with Russia about a potential peace agreement in Ukraine, excluding Kyiv and the EU. In the UK, inflation reached 3% year-over-year, the highest in 10 months, surpassing the 2.8% expectation, driven by smaller drops in airline fares and higher fuel prices. 

• Japan: The economy accelerated in Q4 2024 with an annualized growth of 2.8%, surpassing the 1% forecast, driven by higher consumer spending and increased CAPEX. Exports in January grew 7.2% year-over-year, led by the automotive sector oriented toward the U.S. 

• China: President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his support for the private sector and urged companies to “show their talent.” The People’s Bank kept the one-year reference rate at 3.10% and the five-year rate at 3.60%. 

• Mexico: The Bank of Mexico reported that international reserves reached $232.724 billion, the highest level since 1995. However, the growth forecast for the year was revised down to 0.6% (from 1.2%) due to lower consumption and private investment. Preliminary figures indicate a 1.8% year-over-year growth in January, with only a 0.1% monthly increase. 

These events and figures will be essential for understanding the current economic context and its possible repercussions. If you would like more information or wish to discuss how these factors might impact your investment strategies, we are at your disposal. 

Important Events in the Coming Weeks 

• In the U.S., the second revision of Q4 2024 GDP will be released on 02/27 

• In the U.S., the PCE inflation data, closely followed by the Fed, will be released on 02/28 

Monitor 

New tariffs, rising inflation, and Fed policies shape the global economic outlook.

Week of February 10 to 14 

President Trump announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from several countries, including Mexico, Canada, and Brazil. Meanwhile, U.S. inflation rose 0.5% month-over-month in January and 3.0% year-over-year, exceeding expectations. Jerome Powell reaffirmed that the Fed will not rush to cut rates anytime soon 
 
Global highlights: 

• EU: Warned of countermeasures against new U.S. tariffs. 
  
• Germany: Exports increased, but industrial production declined. 

• UK: Unexpected 0.1% GDP growth in Q4 2024. 

• Japan: Wholesale inflation reached 4.2%, the highest in seven months. 

• China: Inflation saw its highest increase in five months, but manufacturing remains weak. 

• Brazil: Adopting a cautious approach to U.S. tariffs; the services sector ended 2024 with weak performance. 

• Mexico: Rate cuts may continue, while Moody’s warns of risks to the auto sector due to new tariffs. 

Markets will closely monitor the impact of these developments on global monetary policies and key industries. 

Important events in the coming weeks 

• In the United States, the Fed minutes will be released on 02/19. 

• In the United States, the Consumer Confidence report will be released on 02/21.  

Monitor 

Global summary: U.S. employment, cuts in Mexico and Europe, and trade tensions.

Week of February 3 to 7

This week’s global economic highlights:

• United States: President Donald Trump temporarily suspended tariffs on Mexico and Canada, while the labor market shows signs of slowing down with 143,000 jobs created in January and an unemployment rate of 4.0%.

• Europe: Inflation in the Eurozone slightly increased to 2.5% year-over-year in January, while the Bank of England cut its rate to 4.5% and adjusted its growth forecast.

• Asia: Japan is evaluating rate adjustments to reach its inflation target, and China is facing a tariff exchange with the U.S., impacting its energy and manufacturing sectors.

• Latin America: Mexico lowered its interest rate to 9.5%, supported by an improvement in inflation, and Argentina announced the end of its currency controls by 2026.

We invite you to follow our updates to stay informed about how these events may influence global economic and financial trends.

Key events in the coming weeks:

• China: January inflation data to be released on 02/10
• United States: January inflation data to be released on 02/12

Monitor

The impact of central bank decisions and global economic performance in early 2025. 

Week of January 27 to 31 

So far this year, global economies have shown mixed signals: 

• United States: The Fed maintained the benchmark rate at 4.25%–4.5%, while Q4 2024 GDP grew 2.3%, marking a slowdown compared to previous quarters. 
   

• Europe: The ECB cut the benchmark rate to 2.75% amid economic stagnation in the Eurozone. 
   

• China: Manufacturing and services activity unexpectedly contracted, reinforcing expectations for new stimulus measures. 
   

• Mexico: Exports grew 4.1% year-over-year in 2024, while Q4 2024 GDP declined by 0.6%, marking its first contraction since 2021. 

We invite you to analyze this data and consider its implications for your financial and strategic decisions. If you’d like more information or a detailed analysis, please feel free to contact us.

Important events in the next weeks 

• In the United States, the manufacturing ISM will be released on 02/03. 
•  In the United States, employment data will be released on 02/07. 

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^{Global Analysis: Politics, economy, and key trends in international markets.}

^{Week of January 21 to 24} 

^{The week was marked by the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States. He signed executive orders on immigration, energy, and security and announced the possibility of implementing a 25% tariff on products from Canada and Mexico, set to take effect on February 1.} 

^{On the economic front, there was a slight increase in unemployment insurance claims. Meanwhile, the Q4 2024 earnings season had a strong start, with S&P 500 companies reporting an initial 5% growth in sales and a 17% increase in profits.}  

^{In other global markets:} 

^{• Europe: The ECB is expected to announce a rate cut next week, while consumer sentiment shows improvement.} 

^{• Japan: The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark rate to 0.5%, aligning with expectations.} 

^{• China: The People’s Bank of China kept interest rates unchanged for the third consecutive month.} 

^{• Mexico: Inflation fell to its lowest level since 2021, and the IMF revised its 2024 growth forecast upward.} 

^{These developments highlight the importance of staying vigilant regarding key movements in global politics and economics.} 

^{Important events in the coming weeks} 

• ^{In the United States, the Fed’s monetary policy announcement will be on 01/29} 
• ^{In the United States, Q4 2024 GDP will be released on 01/30} 

^Monitor 

Key indicators mark the beginning of 2025: inflation, employment, and global challenges. 

Week of January 6 to10 

The beginning of the year brings key data that impacts global markets and investment decisions. Here are some of the main highlights: 

• United States: Strong job growth with 256,000 new positions in December and a drop in the unemployment rate to 4.1%. However, persistent inflation has pushed 10-year treasury yields to 4.74%. 

• Europe: Inflation in the Eurozone rose to 2.4% annually in December, with Germany reporting figures above the ECB’s target. Economic activity continues to contract, reinforcing challenges in the region. 

• Asia: In China, government measures to boost household consumption include subsidies for appliances and digital goods. In Japan, growth in services has been driven by local demand. 

• Latin America: In Mexico, annual inflation of December hit its lowest level since 2021 (4.21%), opening the door for potential rate cuts. In Argentina, the country risk fell to its lowest level since 2018, reflecting increased confidence in its assets. 

Key events in the coming weeks 

• In China, international trade figures will be released on 01/13. 
• In the U.S, inflation and retail sales data will be released on 01/15–16. 

Monitor 

The first week of the year highlighted the resilience of the housing market in the U.S. and contractions in manufacturing in Europe and Asia. Key points:

Week of December 30 2024 to January 3 2025 

Weekly Summary 

United States: The week was marked by low market activity due to New Year celebrations. Regarding economic data: Pending home sales in November reached their highest level in 21 months and home prices increased by 3.6% year-over-year. 

Europe: In Germany and France, industrial activity declined in December. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, manufacturing activity contracted at the fastest pace in 11 months. 

Asia: In China, President Xi Jinping reiterated the need for more proactive and effective macroeconomic policies in 2025 to counter economic slowdown. 

Latin America: According to the Bank of Mexico, international reserves hit a historic high in 2024, totaling $228.789 billion and PEMEX reported a 35% decrease in oil shipments to the U.S. through November of last year. 

Important events in the next weeks 

• In the United States, the ISM Services Index will be released on 01/07. 
• In the United States, employment indicators will be published on 01/10. 

Monitor 

Summary of key events: Fed rate cuts, elections in Germany, and mixed data from Asia impacting global markets. 

Week of December 16 to 20 

We bring you the most relevant events shaping the global economic landscape: 

United States: 

• The Fed reduced its benchmark interest rate to a range of 4.25%-4.5%, returning to December 2022 levels. According to the “dot plot,” only two additional cuts are expected by 2025. 
• Congress reached a funding agreement to prevent a government shutdown, valid through March, despite opposition from President-elect Donald Trump. 

Europe: 

• Inflation in the UK reached 2.6% year-over-year in November, aligning with expectations, while the Bank of England kept its rate at 4.75%. 
• Germany will hold early elections in February following a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Scholz. 

Asia: 

• Japan’s manufacturing sector is contracting, but its services industry partially offsets the decline. 
• In China, while industrial production grew by 5.4% year-over-year in November, retail sales hit their weakest point in three months. 

Latin America: 

• In Brazil, the real fell to its lowest level in two years, while Credit Default Swaps reached a 14-month high due to fiscal uncertainty. 
• Mexico received a stable rating from S&P, highlighting its macroeconomic prudence and fiscal stability. 

Weekly Summary 
Key events in the coming weeks 

• In the United States, consumer confidence data will be released on 12/23. 
• In the United States, the week will be shortened due to the Christmas holiday on 12/25. 

Monitor 

Decline in consumer confidence in the U.S., interest rate cuts in China and Mexico, and more. Check out the weekly financial summary.

• United States: Consumer confidence recorded its largest drop in three years in September. However, the economy grew at an annualized rate of 3% in Q2 2024, and unemployment claims decreased to 218,000.

• Europe: In Germany, business activity fell to a seven-month low, and business sentiment contracted for the fourth consecutive month. The Swiss National Bank cut its interest rate to 1%.

• Japan: Manufacturing activity slightly declined, although the services sector remained strong, supporting economic growth.

• China: The People’s Bank of China lowered interest rates and implemented another round of significant stimulus to bolster the economy.

• Mexico: The Bank of Mexico cut the benchmark rate to 10.5%. Inflation continued to slow, and the economy grew by 2% year-on-year in July, driven by the primary sector.

Important Events in the Coming Weeks

• In the United States, ISM manufacturing and services indicators will be released on 10/01 – 03.
• In the United States, employment figures will be announced on 10/04.

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