31 May 2009

Top Story Universal: 1,000 Kidnapped Across Country - Narco gangs have moved into lucrative business; more than 1,000 cases reported in 2008

Top Story Reforma: Flu Epidemic Hits Enlace - National education achievement test results incomparable with other years after flu suspension

Top Story Jornada: Interior Ministry: Michoacan Operation, In Defense Of Politics - Segob says raids were non-partisan result of intel

Top Story Excelsior: Calderon Announces Crusade Against Narco-Politics - President vows to continue busts of dirty politicians at all levels

Top Story Cronica: PRD Saber Rattling Over Arrested Mayors - National party leadership plans protests over narco busts in PRD-led state

Top Story Milenio: 573 Public Servants Have Gone Down For Narco Links - Since Calderon took office, 573 officials have been arrested

30 May 2009

Top Story Jornada: IFE Raises PAN Fines - Federal Electoral Institute slaps party with MXN931k fine, up from MXN465k, for "PRImitivo" ads

Top Story Universal: La Familia Most Dangerous Cartel: PGR - Attorney General's Office says La Familia narco gang most powerful, dangerous

Top Biz Story Reforma: Austerity Rules Set - Budget cuts mean ministries, govt agencies unable to hire personnel but by special procedure

Top Story Reforma: GDF Wastes Millions On Jails - Fed. Dist. govt spent MXN91mln on jail security, but fail to keep out drugs, cell phones

Top Story Milenio: Arrested On Hunger Strike - 27 of 30 public servants arrested in Michoacan on drug charges on protest hunger strike

Top Story Cronica: Arrested Linked To Valencia, Gulf Cartels: PGR - Attorney General says 30 officials arrested in Michoacan tied to cartels

Top Story Excelsior: Economic Fall Accelerates - Investment bank Goldman Sachs forecasts a 8.5% fall for GDP this year, revised from -4.8%

Swine flu death toll rose by 2 to 97; the number of confirmed cases rose to 4,932 from 4,879, as scientists analyzed a backlog of cases

29 May 2009

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 1.43% at close Fri at 24,331.71 v. open of 24,683.85 -- range 24,328.82 - 24,993.78

Markets: Peso weakened 0.63% at close Fri at 48hr sell rate of 13.1750 v. open of 13.0925 -- range 13.0750 - 13.2075

INEGI: Total metal mining output down -8.2% , seasonally adjusted, annualized in Mar v. -95.0% in Feb -- annual trend rate at -18.7%

INEGI: Electricity & communications spending -70.6% , seasonally adjusted, annualized in Mar v. 191.3% in Feb -- annual trend rate at 8.3%

INEGI: Water, sewage spending 62.5% , seasonally adjusted, annualized in Mar v. 100.7% in Feb -- annual trend rate at 71.2%

INEGI: Building spending 22.2% , seasonally adjusted, annualized in Mar v. -62.4% in Feb -- annual trend rate at -26.9%

*** INEGI: Total real construction spending -17.8% , seasonally adjusted, annualized in Mar v. -17.2% in Feb -- annual trend rate at -12.6%

Editorial Universal: Narco meddling in elections, politics nothing new, but the answer is to crackdown on dirty politicians, not just gangs

Top Story Universal: La Familia Planned Electoral Assault - La Familia cartel planned to used July elections to penetrate state government

Editorial Jornada: Obama's stance against Israel in favor of a Palestine state is historic; US is only country capable of halting Tel Aviv

Top Story Jornada: Godoy Wants To Put Narco Bust Behind Him - Michoacan governor admits raids were legal, though politically incorrect

Top Biz Story Reforma: FinMin Orders 'Savings' Plan - Ministries must slash 3.5% in personal services budgets, 6.4% in operations in 2009

Top Story Reforma: Opposition Confronts Segob - PRD and PRI charged Interior Ministry using counternarcotics operations as electoral tool

Top Story Cronica: PRD, PRI, PAN Agree To Subdue Tone Of Campaigns - Party leaders meet at Segob Ministry; agree to end mudslinging

Top Story Milenio: PRD: Narcos Sought To Recruit 38 Candidates - In 2006 elections, 38 Michoacan mayors received death threats from cartels

Top Story Financiero: Discretionary Budget Spending Slashed by MXN35bln - The federal govt announced budget cuts; ministries to share pain

Top Story Economista: The Federal Mortgage Bank Funds Housing Plan - The SHF began program to back financing for homebuilding

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 0.70% in early trade Fri at 24,832.52 v. Thu close of 24,659.24 - up 0.62% -- Thu range 24,286.62 - 24,685.50

Markets: Peso firmed 1.0% in early trade Fri at 48hr sell rate of 13.12 v. Thu close of 13.25 - weakened 0.3% -- Thu range 13.21 - 13.26

28 May 2009

Markets: Peso weakened 0.31% at close Thu at 48hr sell rate of 13.2500 v. open of 13.2090 -- range 13.2090 - 13.2766

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 0.62% at close Thu at 24,659.24 v. open of 24,507.81 -- range 24,286.62 - 24,685.50

INEGI: Manufacturing hours-worked -1.3%, seasonally adjusted, month-to-month in Mar v. -0.2% in Feb ; annual trend rate at -11.6%

INEGI: Manufacturing headcount -1.1%, seasonally adjusted, month-to-month in Mar v. -0.9% in Feb ; annual trend rate at -8.6%

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 1.48% in early trade Thu at 24,870.83 v. Wed close of 24,507.81 - down 0.54% -- Wed range 24,407.17 - 24,922.10

Markets: Peso firmed 0.3% in early trade Thu at 48hr sell rate of 13.18 v. Wed close of 13.22 - weakened 0.1% -- Wed range 13.12 - 13.26

Editorial Jornada: Whether or not the Michoacan raids were electorally timed to discredit the PRD, they were certainly illegally executed

Editorial Universal: Whether or not it is fair, the exclusion of Godoy from the Michoacan investigation raises doubts over his own guilt

Top Story Jornada: Godoy Protests PGR For Irregular Operation - PRD Michoacan Gov. Godoy says statehouse raided by feds without warrant

Top Story Universal: Operation Had Electoral Means, Accuse PRD - Leftist party says busts in PRD-governed Michoacan timed for electoral ends

Top Biz Story Reforma: Vive Mexico Expensive - New govt tourism program Vive Mexico with discounts of 1-6%; private sector discounts higher

Top Story Reforma: Deputies In Focus: Investigation after bust of mayors, other Michoacan officials may lead to federal deputies from state

Top Story Milenio: Narco Payouts Sparked Investigation - Among other evidence, narco payroll list led to busts of Michoacan officials

Top Story Cronica: More Mayors To Go Down; La Familia Deserters Singing - Fed Atty Gen says arrested officials are talking, sees more busts

Top Story Excelsior: Bribes Of MXN200mln For La Familia Conspirators - La Familia Cartel paid MXN50-200mln to arrested officials in bribes

Top Story Economista: 2009 A Write Off: Aspe - Former Finance Minister Pedro Aspe said 2009 is already lost and the recovery will be slow

27 May 2009

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 0.54% at close Wed at 24,507.81 v. open of 24,640.37 -- range 24,407.17 - 24,922.10

Markets: Peso weakened 0.66% at close Wed at 48hr sell rate of 13.2150 v. open of 13.1280 -- range 13.1190 - 13.2175

INEGI: Services Igae -10.8% , seasonally adjusted, annualized in Mar v. 8.2% in Feb ; annual trend rate at -9.8%

INEGI: Industry Igae -21.9% , seasonally adjusted, annualized in Mar v. 0.4% in Feb ; annual trend rate at -15.8%

INEGI: Agriculture Igae 114.3% , seasonally adjusted, annualized in Mar v. -42.7% in Feb ; annual trend rate at -2.9%

INEGI: Total GDP proxy Igae -15.9% , seasonally adjusted, annualized in Mar v. 6.5% in Feb ; annual trend rate at -11.8%

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 0.94% in early trade Wed at 24,870.83 v. Tue close of 24,640.08 - up 1.82% -- Tue range 24,045.90 - 24,687.19

Markets: Peso firmed 0.2% in early trade Wed at 48hr sell rate of 13.18 v. Tue close of 13.20 - weakened 0.5% -- Tue range 13.09 - 13.26

Editorial Universal: Michoacan-gate: Up until arrests of officials has been sporadic; in coming days we will see if this was more than showy

Top Story Universal: PGR Slams Michoacan Govt - Alleged links to La Familia cartel leads to arrest of 10 mayors, judge, 17 officials

Editorial Jornada: Obama nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court reflects growing influence of US Hispanic population, raises hope

Top Story Jornada: Federal Raid In Michoacan; Mayors, Others Arrested - Federal Attorney General's Office (PGR) links suspects to La Familia

Top Story Reforma: 10 Mayors Arrested! - Feds arrest 10 mayors and 17 public servants, close to gov., for alleged ties to La Familia Cartel

Top Biz Story Reforma: Cable Phone Operators Seek Limits On Spectra Auction - Telmex, Telcel, Iusacell would cause speculation in 1.7-1.9GHz

Top Story Financiero: New Banks In Jam - Though bankruptcies not expected, mergers of upstart banks expected amid tough conditions

Top Story Economista: Flu, Crisis, Increase Joblessness - Open unemployment rate reaches 5.25 percent (unadjusted), equal to 732,118 jobs

Top Story Cronica: 10 Mayors Arrested Protected La Familia Cartel: PGR - Mega police operation in Michoacan snags 27 pols from PAN, PRI, PRD

Top Story Milenio: Hunt For Michoacan Mayors Begins - Attorney General's Office arrests 27 Michoacan officials, including 10 mayors

26 May 2009

Federal agents detained 10 mayors and 18 other officials for protecting the La Familia Cartel in Michoacan after 6-month investigation

Egmont Group, an international body of national financial intelligence units (FIUs), elected FinMin FIU Chief Luis Urrutia as prez 2009-2010

COREX: INEGI: The Apr seasonally adjusted, annualized urban unemployment rate rose to 7.01% v. 5.70% in Mar -- annual trend rate 6.31%

INEGI: The Apr seasonally adjusted, annualized urban unemployment rate fell to 7.01% v. 5.70% in Mar -- annual trend rate 6.31%

INEGI: The Apr seasonally adjusted, annualized national open unemployment rate rose to 5.32% v. 4.62% in Mar -- annual trend rate 5.17%

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 1.82% at close Tue at 24,640.08 v. open of 24,198.71 -- range 24,045.90 - 24,687.19

Markets: Peso weakened 0.20% at close Tue at 48hr sell rate of 13.2020 v. open of 13.1750 -- range 13.0930 - 13.2020

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 0.20% in early trade Tue at 24,150.75 v. Mon close of 24,198.96 - up 0.44% -- Mon range 24,021.83 - 24,246.28

Markets: Peso weakened 0.3% in early trade Tue at 48hr sell rate of 13.17 v. Mon close of 13.13 - firmed 0.2% -- Mon range 13.06 - 13.26

Editorial Universal: Episode of TV show "Make Me Laugh And You'll Be A Millionaire" vulgar and discriminatory; let's condemn ratings hounds

Top Story Universal: Pharmaceuticals Corrupt Health Sector - Gifts to doctors by pharmos hurts health sector; flooded by sales reps

Editorial Jornada: North Korea's nuclear ambitions must be seen in historic context; western hypocrisy to acquire nukes and tolerate Israel

Top Story Jornada: Tourism Rescue Program Begins - Calderon launched the Vive Mexico publicity campaign to draw tourists back to country

Top Biz Story Reforma: Incomes Fall - In Q1, GDP per capita equaled US$7,255, a decline of 28% year-on-year; largest drop since 1995 at 37%

Top Story Reforma: Kidnappings Rock Market Centers - The sprawling market centers that supply cities with food suffer 100s of kidnappings

Top Story Economista: Per Capita Income Plunges In Q1 - Q109 per capita income fell 27.2% in Q1 to US$7,314 v. US$10,039 in Q108

Top Story Cronica: Interior Ministry Defends Calderon - Responding to criticisms of president, ministry says preparing official response

Top Story Milenio: Calderon Stays In Comfort Zone: PRI, PRD - Fed govt has not taken real risks, & insecurity and police corruption persists

Top Story Excelsior: They Take Roll, Then Leave - Deputies arrive at session only to check-in; don't stay for debates, votes

Top Story Financiero: Mexico Exports More FDI Than It Receives - For the 1st time on record, outward FDI exceeded inward in Q109

The Supreme Court struck down a state law in Coahuila that barred lawmakers from switching parties while serving in the state congress

25 May 2009

The Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned the nuclear test by North Korea as a violation of international law, urges international testing ban

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 0.43% at close Mon at 24,198.96 v. open of 24,095.53 -- range 24,021.83 - 24,246.28

Markets: Peso firmed 0.06% at close Mon at 48hr sell rate of 13.1300 v. open of 13.1375 -- range 13.0640 - 13.1620

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 1.52% in midday trade Mon at 24,183.87 v. Fri close of 23,821.26 - down 2.37% -- Fri range 23,806.65 - 24,374.42

Markets: Peso flat Mon at 48hr sell rate of 13.16 v. Fri close of 13.16 - weakened 0.7% -- Fri range 13.14 - 13.26

Editorial Universal: Recruiting narco-soldiers is much more than cops and robbers; poverty and joblessness will always fuel a criminal army

Editorial Jornada: Petroleum policy requires urgent reform; not just to reverse falling production, but in the transparent use of revenues

Top Story Universal Indios Y Puebla, Tax Evaders: FinMin - Two soccer teams primary culprits of sport's tax evasion, say authorities

Top Biz Story Reforma: Cargo Ships Docked - Lower global trade has world's maritime fleet paralyzed; 20% immobile

Top Story Reforma: Consumer Violations Go Unpunished - Federal Consumer Protection Agency has imposed million-peso fines; they are ignored

Top Story Jornada: Zetas Bribing Jail Authorities For Months - Zacatecas prison officials received MXN5k-20k per month for months in bribes

Top Story Financiero: Tax Machine Gears Up Against Big Companies - Once all taxes are filed, a wave of audits are being prepared

Top Story Economista: More Transparency Demanded Of Banxico - Bank for International Settlements recommends more openness from central bank

Top Story Milenio: Calderon Took Mexico Out Of Comfort Zone: Gomez Mont - Interior Minister says rebuilding security institutions take guts

24 May 2009

Top Story Universal: Govt Without Full Control In Regions Of Country - Interior Ministry plans to recover control of "spaces" from narcos

Top Story Reforma: Riot In Fresnillo - One week after major Zac. jailbreak, a riot broke out in Fresnillo prison; attempt to seize facility

Top Story Jornada: Red Flags In At Least 30 Prisons - Dep. Minister of Penal System says some 30 jails are dens of criminal organizations

Top Story Milenio: Garcia Luna Should Go - PRD deputy leader calls for Public Security Minister Garcia Luna to resign over Zac. prison break

Top Story Cronica: 2.3mln Mexicans Without Work - Congressional study says Q1 jobless rate of 5.06% represents 2,288,000 jobless

Top Story Excelsior: End Of Classes, Up To Each State - After flu shutdown Education Ministry says each state can adjust current school year

23 May 2009

Top Story Universal: Contingency 30 Days Later - 30 days after the A/H1N1 crisis, Health Ministry has confirmed 4,174 cases in all 32 states

Editorial Jornada: OECD head and ex-Mexican Finance Minister admits Mexico is economic disaster; he helped to implement neoliberal policies

Top Story Jornada: Mexican Economic Disaster: Gurria - OECD head Gurria says combo of 18 mos of recession, crisis, influenza a "brutal blow"

Top Story Reforma: Narcos Riot Prisons - Riots, escapes in jails in at least 12 states have been led by narcos, who impose own rule of law

Top Story Excelsior: DF: Longer School Days To Save Tourism - Federal District schools extend days by 30min to preserve summer vacations

Top Story Cronica: Calderon Accepts: Black First Quarter - "Q109 was the worst we've been through in more than a decade," admits Calderon

22 May 2009

INEGI: Apr seasonally adjusted, annualized Consumer Goods Imports fell -22.27% v. -42.69% in Mar -- annual trend rate -24.92%

INEGI: Apr seasonally adjusted, annualized Capital Goods Imports fell -40.25% v. -30.83% in Mar -- annual trend rate -32.04%

INEGI: Apr seasonally adjusted, annualized Intermediate Goods Imports fell -35.57% v. -14.85% in Mar -- annual trend rate -34.22%

INEGI: Apr seasonally adjusted, annualized Petroleum Exports rose 107.15% v. -24.08% in Mar -- annual trend rate -26.83%

INEGI: Apr seasonally adjusted, annualized Non-Petroleum Exports fell -17.26% v. -5.53% in Mar -- annual trend rate -13.13%

INEGI: Apr seasonally adjusted, annualized imports fell -35.84% v. -19.64% in Mar -- annual trend rate -28.13%

INEGI: Apr seasonally adjusted, annualized exports fell -1.73% v. -11.10% in Mar -- annual trend rate -21.34%

Banxico: First-half May inflation at 6.01% v. 6.17% end of Apr; core index at 5.61% v. 5.81%; tomato, beer, avocado lead rise; airfares down

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 0.44% in early trade Fri at 23,925.96 v. Thu close of 23,821.26 - down 2.37% -- Thu range 23,806.65 - 24,374.42

Markets: Peso weakened 0.8% in early trade Fri at 48hr sell rate of 13.18 v. Thu close of 13.07 - weakened 1.1% -- Thu range 13.01-13.26

Editorial Universal: The brother of major capo handling sound for president reveals the impunity of narcos and incapacity of govt security

Editorial Jornada: US industrial-military complex is forcing Obama to backpedal in plans on human rights on Guantanamo, war crimes

Top Biz Story Reforma: 'Miracle Products' Law Skirted - Companies still sell products for weight loss, baldness, etc. with unproven results

Top Story Reforma: Jailbreak Next Door To PGR - Jailbreak of 53 prisoners in Zacatecas 2 km from offices of Federal Attorney General, police

Top Story Universal: Brother Of Capo Set Up Sound For Felipe Calderon - Sound team headed by brother of El Grande, one of most-wanted narcos

Top Story Jornada: Guards Say Complained Of Zeta Threats For Months - 6 months of reports of harassment, threats went unheeded by state govt

Top Story Milenio: Bank Privatization Files Disappear - FinMin lacks any document from privatization of 18 banks in system by Salinas

Top Story Cronica: Pemex Export Revenue Falls 60% - Thru Apr, Pemex exported US$6.142bln, or US$9.401bln less than same period of 2008

Top Story Excelsior: US Agents Corrupted By Women - Narcos using women to seduce US federal and local agents, draw to dark side

Top Story Financiero: Very Complex, Emerge From Recession: Inegi chief - Mexico's recovery will be 'more complicated' than earlier crises

Top Story Economist: Mexico Can Cushion Fall - Wise use of public spending, tourism promotion, and boosting Made-In-Mexico goods the key

21 May 2009

Markets: Peso firmed 0.03% at close Thu at 48hr sell rate of 13.0700 v. open of 13.0740 -- range 13.0100 - 13.1600

INEGI: Mar seasonally adjusted, annualized wholesales sales fell -11.48% v. 10.42% in Feb ; annual trend rate -3.46%

INEGI: Mar seasonally adjusted, annualized retail sales rose 17.24% v. -6.27% in Feb ; annual trend rate 0.98%

Editorial Universal: We spend MXN5,000/yr on each inmate; most are petty criminals; jails are dens of riots, drug mkts; money poorly spent

Editorial Jornada: Sen. Monreal did right thing to permit full inquiry of narco charges; narco-fication of political mudslinging worries

Top Biz Story Reforma: Economy Collapses 8.2% - In Q109, GDP contracted 8.2%, most pronounced since 9.2% in Q295; recession is now official

Top Story Reforma: 'Agents' Free Prisoners - Video of prison break shows uniforms, vehicles, weapons, and tactics equal to PFP and AFI

Top Story Universal: GDP Falls 8.2%; 1995 Levels - GDP plummeted 8.2% in Q109, not seen since 1995; FinMin now sees FY 2009 GDP -5.5%

Top Story Jornada: US$55bln Up In Smoke IN Q1 Crisis: Inegi - GDP fall of 8.2% equals wealth destruction of MXN716tln, or some US$55bln

Top Story Economista: Economic Activity Plunges - GDP fell 8.2% at an annual rate in Q1; largest in 14yrs; steeper than expected by analysts

Top Story Cronica: GDP Falls 8.2%; Most Since December Error - Economy had worst fall since 1995 in Q1; mostly due to retail, manufacturing

Top Story Milenio: Jan-Mar: Worst Fall Since 1995 Crisis - National Manufacturing Chamber warned that now is the time for modernizing reform

Top Story Financiero: Economy Decreases 8.2% - In Q1, the economy contracted by 8.2% at an annual rate; most severe since spring 1995

Top Story Excelsior: Historic Fall In GDP - GDP fell 8.2% in the first quarter, a decline not seen since 1995, according to thhe Inegi

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 1.06% in early trade Thu at 24,141.11 v. Wed close of 24,399.60 - up 0.23% -- Wed range 24,328.06 - 24,799.54

Markets: Peso weakened 1.3% in early trade Thu at 48hr sell rate of 13.1020 v. Wed close of 12.9340 - firmed 0.1% -- Wed range 12.84-13.26

20 May 2009

INEGI: Q109 Services Sector GDP -20.5% on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis vs. -8.0% in Q408; annual trend rate at -11.9%

INEGI: Q109 Agricultural Sector GDP -2.3% on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis vs. -3.1% in Q408; annual trend rate at -0.2%

INEGI: Q109 Industry Sector GDP -21.5% on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis vs. -11.3%Q408; annual trend rate at -15.4%

INEGI: Q109 GDP -21.5% on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis vs. -9.8%Q408; annual trend rate at -16.2%; Q109 unadjusted y-o-y -8.2%

ECONOMY ALERT: First-quarter GDP plunges 21.5% on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis (quarter-to-quarter at an annual rate)

COREX: Mkt: Bolsa IPC **UP** 1.35% in early trade Wed at 24,673.35 v. Tue close of 24,344.62 - down 1.71% -- Tue range 23,911.33 - 24,683.73

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 1.35% in early trade Wed at 24,673.35 v. Tue close of 24,344.62 - down 1.71% -- Tue range 23,911.33 - 24,683.73

Markets: Peso firmed 0.2% in early trade Wed at 48hr sell rate of 12.916 v. Tue close of 12.9435 - firmed 1.3% -- Tue range 12.94-13.26

Reforma: 11k cattle have died in Tabasco amid scorching drought of past two months; ranchers say worst in memory

Editorial Universal: With crises in public security, economy, health, media has been pessimistic; but there are signs of recovery everywhere

Editorial Jornada: British parliament scandal shows corruption everywhere, even in West Europe; difference here is official impunity

Top Story Universal: Illegal Pemex Taps Up To US$2bln - Pemex loses up to US$2bln/year from theft of fuel via clandestine taps of pipelines

Top Biz Reforma: CFE Opens Network; But Insufficient - Los Pinos opens CFE's fiber optic network to competition; industry says not enough

Top Story Reforma: Kidnappers Caught; They Were In Jail! - Federal District locates three leaders of kidnap gang; find cell phones in cells

Top Story Jornada: Carstens: MXN300mln Gap - Finance Minister tells Congress govt to tap petroleum fund, reserves to cover budget shortfall

Top Story Financiero: Full Recovery Until 2010: Carstens - Recovery won't come until 2010 as production halt in 1H09 will quell economy

Top Story Economista: Peso Surpasses 13 Barrier - The peso is back; yesterday broke 13 barrier; reaches strongest level YTD at 12.94/US$

Top Story Cronica: Ebrard Signs, Fails Pact Against Crooked Public Works - Federal District mayor pledged to investigate Napoles projects

Top Story Milenio: FinMin: MXN300bln Budget Gap - FinMin tells Congress crisis opens MXN300mln gap, says new taxes, debt or spending cuts

Top Story Excelsior: Guard Let Down Against Kidnapping - Citizen organizations clamor for solutions, concrete actions, not just proposals

19 May 2009

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 1.62% at close Tue at 24,344.62 v. open of 23,956.85 -- range 23,911.330 - 24,683.730

Markets: Peso firmed 0.43% at close Tue at 48hr sell rate of 12.9435 v. open of 13.0000 -- range 12.9390 - 13.0300

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 0.05% in early trade Tue at 23,923.92 v. Mon close of 23,935.49 - down 2.54% -- Mon range 23,345.83 - 23,940.70

Markets: Peso firmed 1.2% in early trade Tue at 48hr sell rate of 12.9632 v. Mon close of 13.1180 - firmed 1.0% -- Mon range 13.0800-13.2610

Markets: Peso firmed 1.19% in early trade Tue at 48hr sell rate of 12.9614 v. Mon close of 13.1180 - firmed 1.0% Mon, range 13.0800-13.2610

Editorial Universal: War on drugs cannot be judged by quantity of drugs seized; narcos moving into shakedowns, kidnapping, human trafficking

Editorial Jornada: US Supreme Court ruling to bar trials of Bush admin for human rights abuses during anti-terrorism war creates impunity

Top Story Universal: Zetas Milk Pemex, Sell To Companies - Attorney General links pipeline robberies to Gulf Cartel, Zetas

Top Story Jornada More Taxes, Bad Idea: Ortiz - More taxes during recession hurt, says central bank governor; H1N1 to shave 0.5% off GDP

**NOTE on conflicting data: Mexico Watch report yesterday that IP fell 21.9%, manufacturing -27.5% based on seasonally adjusted data

Top Biz Story Reforma: Industrial GDP Plunges - In Q1 industrial production down -9.9%, worst since -10.8% in 1995; manufacturing -13.8% **

Top Story Reforma: Monreal Case Unleashes War - Zacatecas Sen. Monreal, Gov. Amalia Garcia clash on drug seizure on Monreal family property

Top Story Economista: Definitive Fiscal Reform Urgent: Zedillo - Former prez says ending oil dependence, foreign debt should top natl agenda

Top Story Financiero: Fiscal Reform, Only Way Out Of Recession - Ex-Prez Zedillo, central bank Gov. Ortiz say unpopular measures needed now

Top Story Excelsior: A Vote Against Kidnapping - Civil organizations urge citizens to go to polls dressed in white to urge govt action

Top Story Milenio: Para-Police A Threat - Lawmakers warn on private 'police' squads who persecute, interrogate, and execute kidnapping gangs

Top Story Cronica: Fed. District Govt Takes Tough Line On Towers - Civil Protection Ministry says project may be blocked over sinkhole risk

18 May 2009

COREX: INEGI: Mar seasonally adjusted, annualized IP/Gas, Water, Power 24.53% v. -19.77% in Feb -- annual trend rate 2.52%

REPEAT: INEGI: Mar seasonally adjusted, annualized Industrial Production Index -21.93% v. +0.38% in Feb -- annual trend rate -15.79%

INEGI: Mar seasonally adjusted, annualized IP/Gas, Water, Power 24.53% v. 24.53% in Feb -- annual trend rate 2.52%

INEGI: Mar seasonally adjusted, annualized IP/Mining -0.63% v. -11.36% in Feb -- annual trend rate -0.19%

INEGI: Mar seasonally adjusted, annualized IP/Construction -22.69% v. -4.41% in Feb -- annual trend rate -8.95%

INEGI: Mar seasonally adjusted, annualized IP/Manufacturing -27.45% v. 5.22% in Feb -- annual trend rate -17.71%

INEGI: Mar seasonally adjusted, annualized Industrial Production Index -21.93% v. +0.38% in Feb -- annual trend rate -15.79%

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 1.14% in early trade Mon at 23,608.81 v. Fri close of 23,341.72 - down 0.27% -- Fri range 23,171.75 - 23,453.71

Markets: Peso firmed 0.08% in early trade Mon at 48hr sell rate of 13.2340 v. Fri close of 13.2440 - weakened 0.1% -- Fri range 13.16-13.26

Editorial Universal: Despite growth aspirations, Mexico will remain third world so long as it neglects science and technology education

Editorial Jornada: Country's formal institutions amble toward July elections with full-blown crises in health, economy, security, education

Top Biz Reforma: Automotive Credit Hits The Brakes - Banks and agencies tightened credit conditions; industry says MXN35bln less in loans

Top Story Reforma: Monreal Family Investigated For Narco Ties - 14 tons of drugs seized in Zacatecas, linked to brothers of PRD Sen. Monreal

Top Story Universal: Mexico Pays For Neglecting Science - Mexican Academy of Science says neglect led to dependence on foreign virus experts

Top Story Economista: Influenza Devastates Tourism - Hotel occupation has plummeted; occupancy rates of 9.8% in DF, 19% in Riviera Maya

Top Story Financiero: Rising Economic Pessimism - The forecasts for 2009 for Mexico are uncertain; no one knows when crisis will hit bottom

Top Story Cronica: Building Permits In Napoles From Last Century - Building site in DF neighborhood where sinkhole collapsed may be illegal

Top Story Jornada: GDP -8% in Q1: Banks - Leading financial groups estimate a decline in GDP of 8% in Q1, warn of impending fiscal crisis

Top Story Milenio: Para-Police Commando Fights Kidnappers - 12-yr old force funded by private citizens; runs with tacit govt consent

Top Story Excelsior: Anti-Kidnapping Pact Unfulfilled - 9-month-old National Security Accord unmet by govts at state and federal levels

17 May 2009

FLU PANIC: Ag Ministry to spend MXN30mln on pork promotion campaign after domestic consumption plummets; industry employs 350,000 in Mexico

FLU PANIC: Tests confirm 2 more deaths from swine flu, bringing nation's toll to 68; 1 in Baja California, the other in Federal District

Top Story Reforma: Zetas Free 53 Cons - Without resistance, an armed commando freed 53 Gulf Cartel members from Zacatecas jail within 5 mins

Top Story Universal: Austerity Plan Fails - Congressional agency finds federal govt saved only MXN3.8bln out of MXN65.5bln pledged

Top Story Cronica: Commando Frees 53 From Zacatecas Prison - Armed commando with Federal Agency of Investigation uniforms burst in early AM

Top Story Jornada: Zetas Assault Zacatecan Prison; Abscond With 53 Cons - In 35 minutes, commando frees prisoners linked to Gulf Cartel

Top Story Milenio: 59 Cons Freed In 2 States; No Shots Fired - Commando freed 53 Zeta narcos in Zacatecas; second group freed 6 in Veracruz

Top Story Excelsior: Commando Frees 53 Prisoners - Commando of some 20 disguised as federal police burst into Zacatecas prison, free narcos

16 May 2009

Top Biz Reforma: Banxico Sees Greater Damage - Bank of Mexico reduces overnight rate to 5.25%, warns of coming intensification of recession

Top Story Reforma: Kidnapping Impunity Irritates - Families of victims raise voices; tired of impunity of perps, false promises from govt

Top Story Excelsior: Current Violence, Due To Past Cowardliness: Calderon - President attributes sea of criminality to "passivity and fear"

Top Story Universal: YTD 366,000 Jobs Lost - In Q109 the number of unemployed rose to 2.3mln, more than half a million compared with Q108

Top Story Jornada: 405,000 Workers, On The Streets In Just Three Months - Quarterly employment report shows rise to 5.1% joblessness in Q1

Top Story Milenio: US, 6 Countries Lift Restrictions - US & 6 European nations lift health travel such as flights and cruises to Mexico

Top Story Cronica: Cordova: What Doesn't Kill You, Makes You Stronger - Health Minister says Mexican response to H1N1 strengthened nation

15 May 2009

Inegi: In Q109, 28.1% of active workforce in informal sector, trend rate at 27.7%; highest levels for both since Q405

INEGI: Q109 Open Unemployment Rate @ 4.74% seasonally adjusted, trend rate @ 4.73%; both at highest since new methodology began in Feb 2000

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 0.27% at close Fri at 23,341.72 v. open of 23,405.09 -- range 23,171.75 - 23,453.71

Markets: Peso weakened 0.64% at close Fri at 48hr sell rate of 13.2440 v. open of 13.1600 -- range 13.1600 - 13.2650

Markets: Peso firmed 0.31% in midday trade Fri at 48hr sell rate of 13.1830 v. Thu close of 13.2245 - firmed 0.8% -- range 13.2200-13.2610

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 0.52% in early trade Fri at 23,283.36 v. Thu close of 23,405.93 - up 1.08% -- Thu range 23,085.79 - 23,420.92

Markets: Peso weakened 0.3% in early trade Fri at 48hr sell rate of 13.2610 v. Thu close of 13.2245, firmed 0.8%; Thu range 13.2200-13.2610

Editorial Universal: Unseen Epidemic - A/H1N1 received global attention, but we need to address the 18mln Mexicans that live in dire poverty

Editorial Jornada: Catholic Pope might have brought peace to Israel-Palestine -- but not Benedicto XVI, hostile toward Jews and Muslims both

Top Story Jornada: Mexico's Anti-Crisis Actions Failed: Moody's - Govt failed to implement fiscal and monetary stimuli; will worsen crisis

Top Biz Story Reforma: Mortgage Companies Operate In Opacity, Lose - Mortgage lenders lack transparency; no one knows scale of recent losses

Top Story Reforma: Influenza Snuffs Out Tourism - Industry falls 6.9% in Q1; the decline in visitors was significant before epidemic in Q2

Top Story Universal: Ebrard Self-Defines As President - Federal District mayor says if elected president in 2012, will govern from the left

Top Story Economista: Education Alliance Gets Failing Grade - After 1yr of govt-union education plan, none of 5 policy pillars implemented

Top Story Financiero: Adjusting VAT Would Relieve Recession Effects - Reforming value-added tax would raise money to be lost during recession

Top Story Cronica: Mexico To Ask Repayment For Epidemic - Via WHO, Mexico to seek relief from World Bank for sacrifices to contain epidemic

Top Story Excelsior: The Worst Is Not Over: Business - National Manufacturing Chamber says the worst not over; no upturn until 2010

14 May 2009

FLU PANIC: WHO maintains pandemic level at 5 out of 6; pandemic imminent, but not all conditions are met

FLU PANIC: WHO says US has reported the most number of cases with 3,352, while Mexico has reported 2,446 cases and Canada 389 cases

FLU PANIC: WHO says nearly 6,500 laboratory-confirmed cases of the A/H1N1 influenza have been reported by 33 countries; death toll of 65

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 1.08% at close Thu at 23,405.93 v. open of 23,155.01 -- range 23,085.789 - 23,420.920

Markets: Peso firmed 0.71% at close Thu at 48hr sell rate of 13.2245 v. open of 13.3195 -- range 13.2200 - 13.3200

Markets: Bolsa down 0.66% in midday trade Thu at 23,307.90 v. Wed close of 23,155.01 - down 2.29% -- 05/13/09 range 23,142.44 - 23,696.49

Markets: Peso firmed 0.2% midday Thu at 48hr sell rate of 13.3100 v Wed close of 13.3300 - weakened 0.5% -- 05/13/09 range 13.1580-13.2975

Editorial Jornada: Corruption, complicity, criminality hallmark of PRI, but PAN too. That's why Calderon administration won't launch inquiry

Editorial Universal: Ex-Prez Carlos Salinas has been blamed for much, and not without evidence. New nacro-link from Madrid just adds to pile

Top Biz Story Reforma: IMSS Payment Options Offered - New options for employers to pay social security quotas; no fees for late Apr payments

Top Story Reforma: Links CSG With Narco, Then Backpedals - Ex-Prez De La Madrid says Carlos Salinas Gotari covered nacro ops of his brothers

Top Story Universal: WHO Explores Theory Virus Was Human Error - Analyzing thesis that A/H1N1 was product of science experiment gone wrong

Top Story Milenio: Legal Ambiguity Led To CISEN Scandal: Interior Ministry - Govt blames Internet disclosure of classified intel on bad laws

Top Story Cronica: WHO Investigates If Virus Was Human Error - Team to pursue theory that A/H1N1 influenza was developed in laboratory

Top Story Excelsior: Carstens Optimistic, Despite Data - FinMin said the worst of crisis is behind us, and sees positive signs in economy

Top Story El Financiero: FinMin: New Round Of Structural Reforms - FinMin Carstens says govt preparing new round of reforms after elections

13 May 2009

Markets: Bolsa down 1.75% in early trade Wed at 23,282.20 v Tue close of 23,696.49 - up 1.03% -- Tue range 23,565.42 - 24,021.08

Markets: Peso weakened 0.8% in early trade Wed at 48hr sell rate of 13.3680 v Tue close of 13.2640 -- weakened 0.9% -- range 13.1580-13.2975

Editorial Universal: All signs point to timeliness on virus response by Mexican govt; Castro politics, not science the motive of accusations

Editorial Jornada: Govt not timely with H1N1 virus, vast deficiencies in public health due to neoliberal economic policies partly to blame

Top Biz Story Reforma: Gas Stations Portal Shut Down - After legal battle, fed consumer agency forced to close site that exposes cheating

Top Story Reforma: DF Residents To Pay Water Treatment - Govt to charge Federal District, State of Mexico for new treatment plant in Hidalgo

Top Story Reforma: Castro Rarefies Cuba-Mex Relations - Claims Mexico hid virus knowledge prior to Obama visit strain relations, says govt

Top Story Universal: Virus Mutation Detected - Health experts in US, Mexico, Canada ID possible new H1N1 strain; potentially more virulent

Top Story Financiero: Mortgage Sector Trapped - Defaults by Metrofinanciero and Credito y Casa lenders has compounded global debt aversion

Top Story Economista: Businesses Demand End To Red Tape - Calculate that over-regulation at federal levels raises business costs by 30%

Top Story Milenio: SFP Investigates CISEN Disclosures - Public Function Ministry launches inquiry into publication of CISEN classified info

Top Story Cronica: Mexico Boasts Acted On Time And Hid Nothing - Calderon says swift, transparent response key to overcoming H1N1 virus

Top Story Excelsior: Tourism, Auto Sales, Exports Plunge - Mexican economy continues with cascade of bad news; US-bound trade off US$13bln

12 May 2009

Banxico: Foreign reserves down to US$76.313bln May 8 from US$76.850bln Apr 30

Markets: Bolsa -0.01% in early trade Tue at 23,855.740 v. 23,943.02 close Mon; -0.59% Mon; day's range 23,726.24-24,085.58

Markets: Peso firms 0.1% in early trade Tue @ 13.1560/US$ at 48hr sell rate v. 13.1445 close Mon; softened -0.5% Mon; ranged 13.0370-13.1625

Editorial Universal: Calderon claims to have doubled health budget - Why then does Mexican Social Security Institute top citizen complaints?

Top Biz Story Reforma: Mortgage Lenders See Portfolios Shrink - In 6mos, outstanding mortgage loans shrink by MXN35,532bln: central bank

Top Story Reforma: Fed District Govt Returns Taxes - Economic support program returns 100% of payroll taxes to local micro, small firms

Top Story Financiero: Mexican Rating Carries Negative Perspective - S&P downgrades credit rating outlook from stable to negative

Top Story Economista: Second Round Against Flu - The second phase of sectorial support, MXN11,000 in subsidized credits for affected firms

Top Story Jornada: Calderon Hid Virus Outbreak: Fidel Castro - Suppressed info due to Obama visit, now whole world will pay the price

Top Story Universal: School Year Pushed Back To Jul 14 - Extension due to flu suspension, 100,000 students, teachers still barred from class

Top Story Milenio: CISEN Intel Exposes Houses, Cars, Weapons - Agency calls for bids on federal procurement Web site, but info classified

Top Story Cronica: School Calendar Extended - Education Ministry says due to flu suspension, summer to begin Jul 14-16, depending on state

Top Story Excelsior: Again, Kidnapped Child Killed - 16yr son of Equihua Peralta, abducted Apr 22, found dead; ransom agreed, not yet paid

11 May 2009

INEGI: Feb GFI M&E Domestic Indicator -16.6% v. -23.5% in Jan -- Annual trend at -11.2% in Feb

INEGI: Feb GFI Machinery & Equipment Indicator -40.6% v. -38.9% in Jan -- Annual trend at -15.4% in Feb

INEGI: Feb GFI Construction Indicator 1.2% v. 18.7% in Jan -- Annual trend at -4.5% in Feb

INEGI: Feb Gross Fixed Investment Indicator -16.9% v. -21.9% in Jan -- Annual trend at -9.9% in Feb

Markets: Bolsa slightly dn -1.0% in early trade Mon at 23,855.740 v. 24,085.58 close Fri; rose 2.1% Fri; day's range 23,726.24-24,072.04

Markets: Peso weakens 0.11% in early trade Mon at 13.156/US$ at 48hr sell rate v. 13.079 close Fri; firmed 0.85% Fri; ranged 13.065-13.131

Flu Panic: 14 Mexicans remain quarantined in China and one in Singapore

Security: Military reopens training exercises, suspended by flu epidemic

Security: Over wknd, Attorney Gen. orders arrest of 27 municipal police in Baja Cal. linked to organized crime

Editorial Universal: New Electoral Tribunal ruling on Greens campaign on death penalty for kidnapping opens door to new wave of partisan ads

Editorial Jornada Nothing To Celebrate - Though classes begin again today, virus far from under control in Mexico (corrects media)

Editorial Universal: Nothing To Celebrate - Though classes begin again today, virus far from under control in Mexico

Top Biz Story Reforma: 7 States To Receive Tourism Promotion - Those hardest hit by influenza scare to receive extra focus in new campaign

Top Story Reforma: Mexican Genome Mapped - Mexican scientists complete decoding of Mexican genetic code

Top Story Jornada: China, Mexico Relationship Embittered - China imposes new rules on Mexicans at Shanghai food expo; Calderon cancels

Top Story Milenio: Back To School - As schools are reopened, falls to teachers to monitor influenza situation among students

Top Story Cronica: 19mln Students Back To School Today - Education Ministry ends suspension today for 19mln students in basic ed. levels

Top Story Financiero: MXN5bln Support Program For Private Sector - Fed govt to unveil today financing support for firms hit by flu emergency

Top Story Excelsior: Credit Ratings Hit By Virus Companies focused on tourism and entertainment have rating grades placed under review

10 May 2009

Mexico shuns Shanghai trade expo on Chinese influenza-related treatment of Mexican citizens traveling there

Mexican soccer clubs withdrew from the South American Libertadores Cup after other teams refused to play them over fear of the H1N1 flu

Top Story Universal: Virus Resurges In 6 States - Mexico City area returns to normality; not so in many states in province

Top Story Reforma: Federal District Govt Owes Millions For Power - Cuts water to homes 2 months behind in pay, but owes power co. MXN920mln

Top Story Jornada: Mexico trails all OECD countries in science expenditure - Science, tech R&D in Mexico = to 25% of public debt payments

Top Story Milenio: Confirmed H1N1 48 deaths, 1,626 cases - From Thu to Sat cases rose more than 400, deaths by 4

Top Story Cronica: Of more than 3 thousand schools returning to classes, 200 lack water

Top Story Excelsior: 8 States Keep Schools Closed - Michoacan, Nayarit, Chiapas, Zacatecas join Jalisco, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosi, Guerrero

09 May 2009

Guanajuato state assembly reforms Constitution to outlaw abortion under any circumstance

Top Biz Story Reforma: Foreign tourism losses projected at 40%, up to US$5bln in lost foreign exchange revenue due to swine flu scare

Foreign Affairs Ministry lauds US "exemplary" for not shutting border; 1,639 confirmed A/H1N1 cases in US, 1,364 in Mexico

Top Story Reforma: Shutdowns In 6 States; More Flu Cases - 6 states have shut down classes as H1N1 cases rise

Top Story Universal: Virus Rebounds In 6 States - Chihuahua, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacan and San Luis Potosi see more cases

Top Story Cronica: US Outstrips Mexico In Confirmed Cases - US now has more H1N1 cases than Mexico according to CDC

Top Story Excelsior: Virus Outbreak In 4 States: H1N1 broke out in Jalisco, Guerrero, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosi; classes there suspended

08 May 2009

Markets: Bolsa slightly up in early trade Fri at 23,701.85 v. 23,589.40 close Thu; fell 1.32% Thu; day's range 23,589.520 - 24,005.689

Markets: Peso firms 0.75% in early trade Fri at 13.0930/US$ at 48hr sell rate v. 13.1915 close Thu; weakened 0.43% Thu; ranged 13.002-13.201

Editorial Jornada: Beyond the technical marcroeconomics, the rising food inflation represents another twist of screw for millions of poor

Top Story Reforma: Inflation And Recession - Food prices rose 10.5% in April, while govt says Q1 GDP fell around 7%; stagflation is here

Editorial Univeral: Should we believe Carlos Ahumada? New book details high-level influencing peddling; deserves some investigation at least

Top Story Economista: Cutbacks, Taxes, Debt, Says Carstens - 2010 budget will propose all of the above, FinMin says, to avoid deficit growth

Top Story Financiero: Mortgage Holders Fail To Pay MXN1.4bln In Debt - In two weeks, mortgage specialists have racked up unpaid loans

Top Story Cronica: WHO Fears One-Third of Humanity Falls Ill - In 2010, although not very virulent, the influenza will pack wallop in south

Top Story Jornada: Cartens Admits Mexico Is In Recession - Finance Minister admits decline of at least 7% in GDP in Q1, confirming recession

Top Story Excelsior: Debt, Cutbacks, Or More Taxes - Given the recession, Mexico will have to choose, and end dependence on oil revenue

Top Story Milenio: FinMin Carstens Admits Mexican Recession - Agustn Carstens admits Mexico is in recession, hit by global crisis, influeza

07 May 2009

INEGI: Consumer Confidence Index (2003=100) 79.8 points in Apr vs. 78.6 points in Mar

INEGI: Composite Indicators; Leading Index 106.1 (2003=100) Feb vs. 106.6 points in Jan ; -0.47% on month

INEGI: Composite Indicators; Current Index 100.2 (2003=100) Feb vs. 100.4 points in Jan ; -0.20% on month

FLU PANIC: WHO maintains pandemic alert at 5 out of 6; says A/H1N1 not spread widely outside of North America

Markets: Bolsa down -1.32% Thu at 23,589.40 close v. 23,906.13 close Wed; rose 2.03% Wed; day's range: 23,518.95 - 23,518.95

Markets: Peso closes 0.43% softer Thu at 13.1915/US$ at 48hr sell rate v. 13.1350 close Wed; rallied 1.03% Wed on flu decline

Editorial Universal: While public focused on flu outbreak, 17 Mexicans died every day on average in narco violence in last two weeks

Top Story Reforma: Federal District Reopens Everything - The govt of the DF lowered health alert from red to yellow, all restrictions lifted

Top Story Universal: Businesses Reopen Today Without Restrictions - If swine flu surfaces in student, only his or her school will be closed

Top Story Excelsior: Bars, Cinemas, Gyms To Reopen - All business may return to normal operation today in the Federal District

Top Story Economista: The Virus Will Infect The Budget - The fiscal deficit will grow to 2% of GDP this year due to health contingency

Top Story Cronica: Alert Level Eased; City At 100% - Mexico City health officials lower alert from red to yellow, all business may reopen

Top Story Financiero: Business In Economic Depression - Retail, transport, education, hospitality, food service slammed by flu epidemic

Top Story Jornada: In Haiti, They Die Of Hunger, Not Flu: Calderon - President criticizes Haiti govt for rejecting Mexican ship of food aid

05 May 2009

Banxico: Foreign reserves down to US$76.850bln Apr 30 from US$77.491bln Apr 24

Markets: Bolsa slightly up at open Mon at 23,028.25 v. 23,014.05 close Thu; surged 5.09% Thu; 52-week range: 16,480.000 - 32,211.500

Markets: Peso opens 0.25% firmer Tue at 13.2670/US$ at 48hr sell rate v. 13.3000 close Mon; rallied 3.93% Mon; 52-wk range 9.831 - 15.608

Editorial Jornada: Aside from human tragedy and effect on daily life, economic collateral damage to ordinary Mexicans must be addressed

Editorial Universal: Curing The Economy - Unlike other natural disasters, infrastructure emerged unscathed; not so, consumer confidence

Biz Story Reforma: 48% Of Business Fail To Comply With Shutdown - Of 2,507 inspections, 1,206 not in compliance with decree; now face fines

Top Story Reforma: States Send Out SOS - While Los Pinos sees the epidemic under control, governors demand emergency support for economies

Top Story Economista: Tax Stimuli Planned - Tax relief for sectors affected by flu, tourism in particular, to be announced by Los Pinos

Top Story Universal: Reopening Of Schools To Be Phased In - Starting Wed, commerce, educational activities to be gradually restarted

Top Story Jornada: A Conditional Return To Normalcy Decreed - Epidemic eases, and feds say all commerce restarts tomorrow; schools on Thu

Top Story Milenio: We Are Getting Back To Normal: Calderon - Praising timely action of authorities, president urges prevention and hygiene

Top Story Financiero: Reform Fatigue - Country tires of endless reform talks with no real change or results; progress to date at risk

Top Story Cronica: Tomorrow Commerce Resumes, Thursday Classes - Health Ministry announces progressive reactivation of economy as flu fades

Top Story Excelsior: Mexico Starts Struggle Against Bad Image - Mexico begins diplomatic offensive to counter deterioration of image abroad

04 May 2009

IMEF: IIEEM Services Index 47.2 points in Apr vs. 47.8 points in Mar ; >50 manufacturing generally expanding, <50 contracting

IMEF: IIEEM Manufacturing Index 46.9 points in Apr vs. 45.8 points in Mar ; >50 manufacturing generally expanding, <50 contracting

FinMin: Finance Ministry says Q1 GDP around -7%, y-o-y, unadjusted; central bank says between -7%, -8%

INEGI: Producer Confidence Index (PCI) 36.5 points in Apr vs. 34.6 points in Mar ; >50 manufacturing generally expanding, <50 contracting

INEGI: Manufacturing Orders Index (IPM) 43.7 points in Apr vs. 45.3 points in Mar ; >50 manufacturing generally expanding, <50 contracting

New Bank of Mexico economist survey sees 2009 year-end interest rate consensus forecast of 5.22% vs. 5.78% in previous survey; 5.88% in 2010

New Bank of Mexico economist survey reveals a 2009 inflation consensus forecast of 4.38% vs. 4.25% in previous survey; 3.80% in 2010

New Bank of Mexico economist survey reveals a 2009 year-end peso consensus forecast of 13.65/US$ vs. 14.25 in previous survey; 13.64 in 2010

New Bank of Mexico survey of private-sector economists reveals 2009 GDP forecast of -4.02% vs. -3.32% in previous survey; 1.68% in 2010

Markets: Bolsa up 1.14% Mon in early trade at 22,148.65 v. 21,898.85 close Thu; fell 0.78% Thu; Fri mkt holiday

Markets: Peso opens 0.7% firmer Mon at 13.7460/US$ at 48hr sell rate v. 13.8435 close Thu; weakened 1.75% Thu; Fri market holiday; 52-wk range 9.831 - 15.608

Editorial Jornada: Why Do Only Mexicans Die? The question is with near 1k cases worldwide, why have all deaths been in Mexico only (1 in US)

Editorial Universal: The outbreak of influenza in Mexico looks under control and less dangerous than thought, but not the economic effects

Top Biz Story Reforma: Port Licitations Fail - Failure of public bidding on port projects costs MXN5bln in investment; SCT blames economy

Top Story Reforma: Restrictions Imposed - Health Ministry to impose restrictions in workplace, set distances among people, screen entrances

Top Story Economista: Stagflation Raises Alert - The country faces risky scenario: high inflation and negative GDP growth rate, experts say

Top Story Financiero - Mexican Economy Setback 15 Years - Employment, remittances, trade, FDI all being set back by global financial crisis

Top Story Universal: Epidemic In Declining Phase - Health Ministry cites decline, but says more time needed for evaluation of influenza

Top Story Cronica: Epidemic In Decline: Health Ministry; Don't Let Guard Down: WHO - Some restrictions to be lifted, schools may reopen

Top Story Jornada: Health Ministry: Poverty Worsens Risk Of Transmission - Lack of services, such as water in schools, accelerates spread

Top Story Milenio: Mexico Does Not Want Charity, But It Does Want Respect - Calderon condemns discrimination abroad against Mexicans for flu

03 May 2009

Top Story Reforma: Mexico Ignored Alerts: WHO - World Health Organization says advised Los Pinos as early as Apr 11; govt action on Apr 23

Top Story Universal: Discrimination, Unjust Treatment Of Mexicans - Federal govt calls measures taken by some countries 'xenophobic', unjust

Top Story Jornada: No Fatalities In DF In 2 Days; 54 Discharged Yesterday - Second day without deaths in Federal Death; contagion stabilized

Top Story Excelsior: Epidemic Infects Foreign Policy - Foreign Affairs urges avoiding travel to China, Ecuador, Cuba, Peru, Argentina

Top Story Cronica: Foreign Affairs Ministry Condemns Discrimination Against Mexicans - 'Don't travel to China'; 'discriminatory attitudes'

Top Story Milenio: China Quarantines 71 Mexicans - Sequestered without cause or exams: Foreign Affairs Ministry; 'unacceptable conditions'

02 May 2009

Foreign Affairs Ministry discourages travel to countries that have canceled Mexico flights, including China, Argentina, Cuba, Peru, Ecuador

FLU PANIC: As May 1 Labor Day protests worldwide erupt in violence, traditional Mexico rallies canceled due to flu concerns

FLU PANIC: Unnamed aide of Obama believed to have contracted H1N1 influenza during recent state visit; spread to wife, child; all recovered

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Top Biz Story Reforma: Businesses Open; Govt Shuts Them Down - Some firms defy May1-5 nat'l shutdown; 600 federal stings shut them down

Top Story Reforma: Virus Kills Tourism - Foreign tourism has practically abandoned Mexico; to fall up to 85% starting next week

Top Story Universal: Global Rejection Of Mexicans - Inbound tourism withers; Mexicans abroad refused entry or subjected to medical exams

Top Story Cronica: No New Flu Deaths In DF - Health officials say since Thu no new deaths in Federal District; hospitalizations continue

Top Story Jornada: Health Minister Blames States For Shifting Stats - State data on influenza irregular; mandatory reporting system failed

Top Story Milenio: Influenza Deflates - Health Ministry says 16 deaths for influenza virus; to date 908 lab tests confirm 397 H1N1 cases

Top Story Excelsior: Asylum Seeker Dies Of Flu - Mamum Hosain of Bangladesh; came to Mexico to reunite with brother under UN asylum program

FLU PANIC: Midterm election campaigns officially begin May 3; electoral authorities reject party calls to postpone due to influenza outbreak

FLU PANIC: China suspends Mexico flights after H1N1-infected traveler after Hong Kong authorities quarantine hotel, 200 guests for 7 days

01 May 2009

FLU PANIC: Health Ministry confirms swine flu of 16, says the total number of confirmed cases of the virus had risen to 397; hundreds more suspected

FLU PANIC: Confirmed cases of H1N1 hits 331 in Austria, Canada, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Holland, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, UK, US

Labor Day: May 1 is an official bank and market holiday; also marks beginning of five-day economic, govt shutdown

Editorial Universal: A poll by our paper found 25% of population has had income lost from epidemic contingency, even before May 1-5 closures

Top Biz Story Reforma: Sanctions For Failure To Comply - Firms that disobey order to suspend non-essential activities may be fined or closed

Top Story Reforma: Economic Suspension Confuses Business - Companies misinterpret the executive decree to suspend operations from May 1-5

Top Story Universal: Workers Bear Burden Of Shutdown - Businesses not obligated to pay salaries during May 1-5 economic suspension

Top Story Milenio: Health Ministry IDs New Cases - Heath Minister says 679 tested yielded 312 positives; proven virus-deaths up from 9 to 12

Top Story Excelsior: Anti-Chilango Outbreak - Mexico City residents have encountered hostility when traveling to provincial states