Top Story Universal: 1,000 Kidnapped Across Country - Narco gangs have moved into lucrative business; more than 1,000 cases reported in 2008
Mexico Watch Intelligence Service
The leading intelligence blog for analysis on business, politics, finance, and the economy for Mexico. Thousands of diplomats, analysts, investors, government officials and top executives with responsibilities - direct or otherwise - relied upon the Mexico Watch Intelligence Service for nearly 20 years. Publication of that service was suspended in 2009, but this blog remains in publication and free to read. Contact us for information on our research and consulting services.
31 May 2009
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
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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