Weekly Summary

Strong retail sales in the U.S. and growth in China contrast with ongoing trade tensions

Here’s a quick look at the most relevant developments that shaped markets during this shortened week. 


United States 

  • President Trump is considering temporary exemptions from the 25% tariffs on vehicles and auto parts. 
  • Electronic devices like smartphones and computers have been temporarily exempted. 
  • Retail sales rose 1.4% in March, beating expectations. 
  • Fed Governor Waller noted that the inflationary impact of tariffs would likely be “transitory.” 

Europe 

  • U.K. inflation fell to 2.6% in March, better than expected. 
  • EU leaders believe most tariffs imposed on the bloc will remain in place. 
  • The U.S. may temporarily ease some tariffs, but full removal isn’t expected. 

China 

  • Exports rose 12.4% year-over-year in March, surpassing the 4.4% forecast. 
  • First-quarter GDP grew 5.4% annually, despite ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. 

Brazil 

  • Analysts expect economic growth to slow in the second half of the year, weighed down by high domestic interest rates and global trade friction. 

Mexico 

  • The U.S. will impose a 20.91% tariff on Mexican tomato imports starting in July. 
  • Finance executives warn that Mexico could lose its investment-grade rating by 2026 if trade relations with the U.S. deteriorate and fiscal deficits persist. 

Staying informed is key to understanding the ever-changing environment in which investments operate.


IMPORTANT EVENTS – CALENDAR 

  • April 23: The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book economic report will be released. 
  • April 22–24: Regional manufacturing reports will be published in the U.S. 

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The U.S. imposes higher tariffs, impacting manufacturing and employment expectations.

U.S. Imposes Global Tariffs 

Here are the key events that influenced market sentiment this week: 

United States 

  • The U.S. announced a new 10% blanket tariff on imports, with reciprocal measures for over 150 countries starting April 9. 
  • Nonfarm payrolls exceeded expectations in March, adding +228,000 jobs, though unemployment rose to 4.2%. 
  • Manufacturing activity contracted for the first time this year, according to the ISM index. 

Europe 

  • Inflation fell to 2.2% year-over-year, in line with expectations. 
  • Markets anticipate a 25-bps rate cut at the ECB’s April 17 meeting. 
  • The European Commission responded to U.S. tariffs and is preparing countermeasures. 

China 

  • The manufacturing PMI reached a 12-month high, driven by a surge in new orders. 
  • The country will face a 54% tariff on its exports to the U.S. and has retaliated with a 34% tariff on U.S. goods. 

Brazil 

  • Industrial production unexpectedly declined by 0.1% month-over-month in February, dragged down by durable goods manufacturing. 

Mexico 

  • February remittances totaled $4.459 billion, down 1% year-over-year. 
  • Mexico and Canada were excluded from the U.S. tariff announcement. 
  • The government introduced an 18-point plan to boost domestic consumption, investment, and social programs. 

In times of volatility, it’s essential not to be swayed by short-term noise—discipline and patience create long-term wealth. 


Important events:

  • April 9: The U.S. Federal Reserve minutes will be released. 
  • April 10: March inflation data will be published in the U.S. 

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Inflation eases in Mexico and the United Kingdom, while trade tensions with the United States rise. 

Global markets in motion: Uncertainty in the U.S., recovery in Europe, challenges in China, and monetary adjustments in Mexico. 

  • United States 
    Analysts expect S&P 500 earnings to grow 7.7% year-over-year in Q1 2025, the slowest pace since Q3 2023. Trump announced a 25% tariff on all cars manufactured outside the country. Consumer confidence fell amid inflation fears. Q4 2024 GDP was revised upward, showing an annualized growth of 2.4%, driven by consumption. 
  • Europe 
    Economic activity advanced at its fastest pace in seven months, led by the manufacturing sector. In the United Kingdom, inflation slowed to 2.8% year-over-year, better than expected. 
  • China 
    In response to rising tariffs, Premier Li Qiang called for opening global markets. Industrial profits fell 0.3% year-over-year as of February. 
  • Brazil 
    The government considers that conditions may arise to begin interest rate cuts in the second half of the year. 
  • Mexico 
    Inflation in the first half of March moderated to 3.67% year-over-year. In line with expectations, the Bank of Mexico cut the benchmark rate by 50 basis points, bringing it to 9%. 

Staying informed will help you better understand the current macroeconomic context. 


Important events in the coming weeks 

  • April 01: In the United States, the ISM Manufacturing Index will be released. 
  • April 04: In the United States, employment figures will be published. 

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Global perspectives: Central banks in the spotlight.

From the U.S. to Brazil, central banks have taken a cautious and more conservative stance.

Investors remain focused on monetary policy perspectives. 

Investors are closely watching developments in monetary policy. Here are the key events: 

  • U.S.: Retail sales rebounded in February (+0.2%), while the Fed kept rates steady and projected only two rate cuts this year, adopting a more cautious tone. 
  • Europe: The BoE maintained its rate at 4.5% and highlighted global uncertainty. Germany passed a key fiscal package. 
  • China: The People’s Bank kept rates unchanged, but consumption surprised to the upside (+4.0%). 
  • Brazil: The Central Bank raised the rate by 100 bps for the third time, signaling a more moderate approach ahead. 
  • Mexico: The OECD warns that 25% U.S. tariffs could lead to a recession in 2025–2026. Fitch forecasts zero growth this year and only +0.8% in 2026. Private consumption stagnated in the early months of the year. 

Signals remain mixed: while some central banks pause adjustments, trade and consumption continue to face challenges. 

In this challenging environment, adaptability and a long-term perspective will be key. 


KEY UPCOMING EVENTS 

  • March 24: In the U.S., housing sector indicators will be released 
  • March 27: In the U.S., the final estimate for Q4 2024 GDP will be published

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New economic outlook: Inflation, tariffs, and key market changes 

Inflation, tariffs, and leadership changes have shaped the global economic agenda in recent weeks. 

Policy shifts, inflation, and trade regulations remain in the market spotlight. 

Markets continue to monitor changes in economic policy, inflation, and trade restrictions across various countries. Here are the key events: 

  • United States | President Trump stated that the country is undergoing an “economic transition” aimed at building a strong economy. Additionally, 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports took effect. Inflation showed signs of slowing, with a 0.2% monthly increase in February, bringing the annual rate to 2.8%. 
  • Europe | The European Union announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products totaling $28.3 billion, set to take effect in April. Meanwhile, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire brokered by the U.S. 
  • Japan | Q4 2024 GDP was revised downward, showing annualized growth of 2.2%, lower than the initial 2.8% estimate. 
  • China | Consumer inflation fell by 0.7% in February, turning negative for the first time in over a year, reflecting deflationary pressures. 
  • Brazil | The Minister of Planning warned that the government will need fiscal adjustments by 2027, creating a “window of opportunity” for short-term reforms. 
  • Mexico | Following the resignation of Rogelio Ramírez de la O, Edgar Amador Zamora was appointed as the new Finance Secretary, tasked with strengthening the economy and investment. Additionally, Moody’s downgraded the outlook for the Mexican banking sector from positive to negative due to the economic slowdown and trade tensions with the U.S. 

Market volatility continues to shape financial trends. We will remain vigilant in monitoring these changes and their impact on investments. 


Key Events in the Coming Weeks 

  • March 17: Retail sales data release in the U.S. 
  • March 19: Federal Reserve Monetary Policy announcement in the U.S. 

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Key Market Movements: Inflation, Tariffs, and More

Tariffs, inflation, and interest rates continue to shape the global economy.

Key market movements: Inflation, Tariffs, and More.

Global markets are experiencing significant shifts in monetary policies, employment, and international trade. Below is a summary of the most relevant developments:

  • United States: The manufacturing sector remains in mild expansion, while employment rose by 151,000 thousand jobs, and the unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%. A 25% tariff on Canadian imports and a 10% tariff on Chinese products took effect, though some exemptions may apply in the coming months. Mexico secured an exemption for USMCA-listed products until April 2.
  • Europe: Inflation in the eurozone fell to 2.4% year-over-year, but economic activity remains stagnant. The ECB cut its benchmark rate to 2.5%, marking six reductions since last June.
  • Japan: Corporate investment spending contracted by 0.2% year-over-year in Q4 2024, the first decline in nearly four years.
  • China: New tariffs of up to 15% on U.S. products will take effect on March 10. Additionally, the government set its GDP growth target at “around 5%” and announced further fiscal stimulus.
  • Brazil: Annual inflation is projected to close at 5.65%, with the benchmark rate expected to reach 15% this year.
  • Mexico: Remittances totaled $4.66 billion in January, reflecting a 10.8% monthly decline.

We will continue to monitor these events and their impact on the markets.


Important events in the coming weeks:

  • March 10: Inflation data will be released in China.
  • March 12 Inflation figures will be released in

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* Due to internal logistics reasons, the yields and prices are presented with the closing of March 6.

Markets in motion: Inflation, tariffs, and elections 

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

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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Economic Update: Rates, Tariffs, and Growth 

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 

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Trump’s new tariffs and inflation data: Key impacts.

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

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.  

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Global economic perspectives: What you need to know this week

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

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

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