MARKETS: FX: Benchmark 48hr interbank sell rate weakens +0.15% to 12.8253 pesos/US$ by mid-morning Thu

MARKETS: STOCKS: Mexican Bolsa IPC index +0.14% in choppy trade to 31,692.21 points by mid-morning Thu

INEGI: CONSTRUCTION: Construction put in place -6.3% in 2009 v. 2008 in real terms; construction headcount -7.5%

INEGI: CONSTRUCTION: Construction put in place -2.9% in Dec09 v. -3.9% in Nov09 on m/m seasonally adjusted, annualized basis; trend at -2.2%

BANXICO: CREDIT: Business loans -4.2% in real terms Jan10/Jan09, v. +0.5% in Dec09 y/y

BANXICO: CREDIT: Consumer credit -10.3% in real terms Jan10/Jan09, v. -19.9% in Dec09 y/y; mortgage lending +10.7% v. +11.8%

BANXICO: CREDIT: Total direct financing to private sector -6.0% in real terms Jan10/Jan09, v. -3.4% in Dec09 y/y

Top Story Universal: Senate Pursues Junk Food Issue, Lujambio Aloof - Bill would ban it in public schools, Educ. Min. says 'useless debate'

Top Story Jornada: Calderon Demands Respect In Yucatan - President addresses state PAN rank-and-file; calls for end to harassment of PRI gov

Top Story Reforma: Fear Paralyzes Northeast - In Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon, violence btw Gulf Cartel and Zetas generating public psychosis

Top Biz Story Reforma: FDI -51%, Hot Money Up - In 2009 FDI plunged to $11.4bn, while portfolio investment soared 214% to $15.3bn

Top Story Economista: FDI Cut By Half In 2009 - FDI inflows -50.7% to $11.4bn, below official forecast of $15bn, and lowest since 1998

Top Story Financiero: Foreign Currency Sources Fall - Oil exports, migrant transfers, foreign tourism and FDI pulled $72.7bn in 09, down 34%

Top Story Milenio: FDI Fell 50.7% in 2009 - Inflows totaled $11.4bln last year, off 50.7% from 2008 and lowest level since 1996

Top Story Cronica: El Chapo Has 'Social Protection': Garcia Luna - Public Security Min says public helps hide top narco Guzman from the law

INEGI: MANUFACTURING: Factory headcount -9.1% in 2009 v. 2008, work-hours -10.2%

INEGI: EMPLOYMENT: Urban joblessness rate to 6.9% in Jan '10 v. 6.1% in Dec '09 on seasonally adjusted basis; up from 6.0% in Jan. '09

INEGI: EMPLOYMENT: Joblessness rate jumps to 5.6% in Jan '10 from 5.5% in Dec '09 on seasonally adjusted basis; up from 4.7% in Jan '09

Top Story Universal: I Do Not Protect El Chapo Or Anyone Else: Calderon - In rare press briefing, president rejects shielding Pacific Cartel

Top Story Jornada: Govt Denies Protection For El Chapo - President Calderon rejected claim that feds have truce with Guzman's Pacific Cartel

Top Story Reforma: 15 Yrs Of Mediocrity Foreseen - In planning document, Energy Ministry forecasts average GDP growth of 2.7% through 2024

Top Biz Story Reforma: ASF Lacks Teeth - Congress' Superior Auditor of the Federation may review government spending, but not penalize

Top Story Economista: Labor Reform Hits Senate; PRI Knocks It - Labor Ministry submits reform proposal, says it will not amend Constitution

Top Story Financiero: Spending Too Rigid To Boost Economy - Congressional study finds govt only 5.9% of budget outlays available for policy

Top Story Milenio: Alliances Without My Input - Calderon: President says PAN-PRD alliance may hurt reforms, but outside sphere of influence

Top Story Cronica: PAN Alliances Without My Input: FCH - President Calderon of PAN says his party's electoral alliances an internal affair

MARKETS: FX: 48hr interbank sell rate benchmark firms slight 0.09% to 12.8455 pesos/US$ by late trade Thu

MARKETS: STOCKS: Mexican Bolsa tracks Dow lower; bellwether IPC -0.99% to 31,472.97 in midday trade

BANXICO: FDI Alert: Foreign direct investment tallies to $735mln in Q409, lowest in more than 10yrs (ave. $5.5bln quarterly in past 5)

MARKETS: FX: 48-hour interbank sell rate firms 0.86% to end Wed at 12.8338 pesos/US$; high-low range of 12.9035-12.8300

MARKETS: STOCKS: Mexico Bolsa bellwether IPC index edges down 0.19% Wed to close at 31,788.54; high-low range of 31,990.46-31,777.49

BANXICO: INFLATION: 1H Feb core consumer prices up 0.17%, index at annualized 4.63% v. 4.70% from end of Jan

BANXICO: INFLATION: 1H Feb consumer prices up 0.18%, index at annualized 4.76% v. 4.46% from end of Jan

Top Story Universal: Mexico-Brazil Move Toward Integration - Presidents Calderon and Lula announced agreement to tie two economies together

Top Story Jornada: Zedillo Leaked Devaluation In 94, Salinas Says - Leak prompted mass capital flight by small group of Mexican businesses

Top Story Reforma: Advisers Cost Millions - Ministries have large slush fund for advisers; in 2009 5 biggest spenders slated MXN28mln on pay

Top Biz Story Reforma: Property Protection Fails - Mexico dropped 10 rungs on International Property Rights Index; now at 72 of 125 nations

Top Story Economista: Brazil Pledges To Drop Trade Barriers - Mexico, Brazil will pursue economic agreement; door open for future FTA

Top Story Financiero: Recovery Requires Further Stimuli: IMF - Developed economies recovering slowly, require procyclical intervention still

Top Story Milenio: 6 Pharmacies Defraud IMSS - Antitrust agency finds EliLilly, others colluded on public health system bids, MXN150mln fine

Top Story Cronica: LatAm Agrees To New Bloc, W/O US - Community of Latin American and Caribbean States created at regional leader summit

UPDATE: Intel Corp. suffers major reverse in lawsuit against Mexico Watch!! http://intel4intelligence.blogspot.com/

MARKETS: FX: Mexican peso weakens 036% to 12.8668/US$ at benchmark 48hr interbank sell rate in midday trade

MARKETS: STOCKS: Mexican Bolsa bellwether IPC index -0.81% to 31,773.70 in midday trade

INEGI: RETAIL: Full-year 2009 Mexican Retail Index falls 4.3% versus 2008; Wholesale Index falls 8.3% in same time frame

INEGI: RETAIL: Retail Index +3.8% in Dec on seasonally adj, m/m annualized basis; annual trend rate at +8.0% v. +6.8% in Nov

INEGI: RETAIL: Wholesale Index +13.7% in Dec on seasonally adj, m/m annualized basis; annual trend rate at +2.7% v. +6.7% in Nov

INEGI: TRADE: Jan total exports +18.0% to $22.8bln on seasonally adj, m/m annualized basis; annual trend at +25.8% v. +40.8% in Dec

INEGI: TRADE: Jan petroleum exports -46.1% on seasonally adj, m/m annualized basis; annual trend at +62.3% v. +83.7% in Dec

INEGI: TRADE: Jan non-petroleum exports +24.8% on seasonally adj, m/m annualized basis; annual trend at +21.5% v. +31.4% in Dec

INEGI: TRADE: Jan manufacturing exports +31.8% on seasonally adj, m/m annualized basis; annual trend at +23.1% v. +32.9% in Dec

INEGI: TRADE: Jan total imports +39.5% on seasonally adj, m/m annualized basis to $22.7bln; annual trend at +37.6% v. +45.7% in Dec

INEGI: TRADE: Jan consumer goods imports +353.9% on seasonally adj, m/m annualized basis; annul trend at +114.5% v. +114.9% in Dec

INEGI: TRADE: Jan capital goods -12.4% on seasonally adj, m/m annualized basis; annual trend at +10.3% v. +15.9% in Dec

INEGI: TRADE: Jan intermediate manufacturing imports +12.2% on seasonally adj, m/m annualized basis; annual trend at +28.7% v. +36.7% in Dec

BANXICO: Central bank reports foreign reserves up $323mln to $93.75bln from Feb. 12-19; yesterday FX Commission announces accumulation plan

Top Story Universal: Child Obesity Begins At School - Scientists, activists, parents demand public school nutrition reform to halt epidemic

Top Story Jornada: 2009 Crisis, Worst In 76 Yrs - GDP contracted 6.5% last year, shrinks output to volume of 2006; steepest drop since 1933

Top Story Reforma: CTM Agonizes - Largest labor group, Mexican Workers Confederation, has lost 700k members in past 20 years

Top Biz Story Reforma: Companies Vie For Nanotechnology - Large Mexican firms developing the new technology in bid for global mkt share

Top Story Economista: CNA Demands Brazil Agreement Exclude Farm Trade - National Ag Commission rejects free farm trade, cites asymmetries

Top Story Financiero: Historic Reserves For Contingencies - Foreign Exchange Commission restarted a mechanism to accumulate dollars

Top Story Milenio: Calderon Happy With Anti-US Bloc - President exhorts 32 regional leaders to "cement unity of Latin America and Caribbean"

Top Story Cronica: Mexican GDP Suffers Worst Drop In 77 Years - Mexico's GDP fell 6.5% in 2009 due to fallout from global financial crisis

INEGI: Q409 gross domestic product +2.0% in real terms on a quarter-to-quarter, seasonally adjusted basis, v. +2.5% in Q309; FY09 GDP -6.5%

INEGI: Q409 agriculture GDP +0.9% on a quarter-to-quarter, seasonally adjusted basis, v. -1.3% in Q309; FY09 agriculture GDP +1.8%

INEGI: Q409 industry GDP +3.1% in real terms on a quarter-to-quarter, seasonally adjusted basis, v. +2.4% in Q309; FY09 industry GDP -7.3%

INEGI: Q409 manufacturing GDP +5.9% on a quarter-to-quarter, seasonally adjusted basis, v. +4.4% in Q309; FY09 services GDP -10.2%

INEGI: Q409 services GDP +1.0% in real terms on a quarter-to-quarter, seasonally adjusted basis, v. +4.9% in Q309; FY09 services GDP -6.6%

INEGI: Q409 retail GDP +3.2% in real terms on a quarter-to-quarter, seasonally adjusted basis, v. +4.6% in Q309; FY09 retail GDP -14.5%

http://intel4intelligence.blogspot.com/

Top Story Universal: Drug War Should Not Endure: Galvan - Defense Min says counternarco effort must have finite end; backs Calderon reforms

Top Story Jornada: New OAS Without US, Canada: Evo - Bolivian president says Rio Group summit in Cancun this weekend to form new LatAm OAS

Top Story Reforma: ISSSTE Pensions Skyrocket - Pensions overran budget; few bureaucrats opt for new IRAs; retirements higher than foreseen

Top Biz Story Reforma: Pemex Revives Old Fields - New subcontracting scheme to help reactivate long-abandoned wells with new technology

Top Story Milenio: Galvan Says In Nobody's Interest To Continue Struggle - Defense Min Guillermo Galvan says drug war cannot be indefinite

Top Story Cronica: Nobody Wants Unending Drug War: DefMin - An indefinitely prolonged counternarcotics war is undesirable, says Defense Min

Mexico Watch lawsuit update: http://intel4intelligence.blogspot.com !!!!! Briefs Are Filed TODAY !!!!!

TODAY FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19 BRIEFS ARE DUE IN FEDERAL COURT IN THE CASE OF INTEL CORPORATION V. AMERICAS NEWS INTEL PUBLISHING LLC: http://ping.fm/uCrQj

Visit the Mexico Watch Blog at http://www.mexicowatchblog.latinintel.com/mexicointel.html

MARKETS: FX: Benchmark 48hr interbank sell rate at 12.8196 pesos/US$, 0.11% firmer in midday trade from Fri open

MARKETS: STOCKS: After rallying to 32.272,47 and then sinking to 31.890,73, Mexcio's Bolsa IPC index -0.15% to 32,122.3 in midday trade Fri

BANXICO: Central bank holds benchmark interest rate at 4.50% at monthly policy meeting; board says mid-, longterm expectations under control

Top Story Universal: PAN Demands Clothier's Congressional Seat - Dep. Manuel Clothier criticizes President Calderon, PAN demands resignation

Top Story Reforma: Fed Dist Magistrate Hanging By Thread - Electoral magistrate Miguel Covian caught illegally moonlighting for 2nd salary

Top Biz Story Reforma: Injunctions Against Tax Consolidation - Mexico's largest firms fighting fiscal consolidation, changes to deferments

Top Story Jornada: Nearly Half Armed Forces Fighting Narco - 94,540 now involved in counternarcotics battle, half of Mexico's standing army

Top Story Economista: Reform Must Respect Unions: CT - Largest labor group warns govt that labor reform must exempt unions from change

Top Story Financiero: Current Expenditure Sucks Up Surplus - 1.3-trillion surplus in govt revenue, mostly from oil, wasted on bureaucracy

Top Story Milenio: Education Ministry Subordinate To Teachers Union: UN - UN says atypical symbiosis between govt, union retarding progress

Top Story Cronica: Magistrate Covian Stripped Of Office - Federal District electoral judge Miguel Covian was removed for falsifying income

MARKETS: FX: Peso 48-hr interbank sell rate firms 0.27% to 12.8710 per US$ in midday trade

MARKETS: STOCKS: Bolsa bellwether IPC index at 32,132.63 in midday trade, up 0.75% from open

ECONOMY: Finance Ministry raised 2010 GDP growth outlook from 3.0% to 3.9% on stronger external demand, domestic recovery

Top Story Universal: Farm Credits Ineffective - Federal Superior Auditor, in review of 2008 budget, said ag subsidies had null impact

Top Story Jornada: Fox, Calderon Dilapidated Extraordinary Revenues - Federal Superior Auditor finds 1.3tln pesos in extra income squandered

Top Story Reforma: FinMin Hides Its Stash - Federal Superior Auditor says fed spending replete with hidden surpluses, irregular trust funds

Top Biz Story Reforma: Govt Lacks For Spending - In 2009, primary public balance in red for first time in 20 yrs; net public debt could grow

Top Story Economista: 85% Of Big Companies Will Fight New Tax Reforms - Mexican Institute of Public Accountants sees 'rain' of injunctions

Top Story Financiero: FCH: Juarez Recovery To Be Slow; No Magic Wand - President visits violent city, warns return to order will be gradual

Top Story Milenio: We Agreed No Alliances, But Not Tax Reform: Paredes - PRI negotiated to block Oaxaca alliances, no strings to tax reform

Top Story Cronica: Red Alert: Cracks In La Compania - After more rain, 2 fissures detected in containment wall of Mexico City swollen river

MARKETS: FX: Benchmark 48-hour interbank sell rate firms 0.34% to 12.9105 pesos per US$ in midday trade

MARKETS: STOCKS: Bolsa IPC bellwether index up 0.92% to 31,323.99 in midday trade

Top Story Universal: Ex-Minister Halted Procampo Review - In 2009 Ag Minister Cardenas ignored Senate mandate to review subsidy recipients

Top Story Jornada: Televisa To Buy 30% Of Nextel - Media giant will pay $1.44bln, but only if Televisa-Nextel bid wins frequency auction

Top Story Refoma: Pemex Finds Treasure - State owned oil company confirms 2 new finds: 590mln barrels in Campeche, 305mln barrels in Tabasco

Top Biz Story Reforma: Televisa Conditions Nextel Buy - Group will pay $1.44bln for 30% stake only if it wins 1.7, 1.9GHz frequency auctions

Top Story Economista: Reforms In Grave Danger: CCE - At nat'l summit, National Business Coordinating Council hammers out new lobby strategy

Top Story Financiero: Afore Funds At Historic Levels - At end of Jan, privately run social security funds hit MXN1.16tln, +19.7% y/y nominal

Top Story Milenio: 500k Flee Narco-Violence In Juarez - Govt census data show that troubled city lost 24% of population in the past 2 years

Top Story Cronica: PGR Failed To Execute Warrant For JJ Since 07 - Alleged shooter of Cabanas Ortega soccer star wanted for electoral fraud

MARKETS: FX: Benchmark 48hr interbank sell rate for at peso in midday trade at 12.9650/US$, 0.14% weaker from open

MARKETS: STOCKS: After opening higher, Mexican Bolsa IPC bellwether index -0.02% in early trading to 31,001.13

Poll: Mitofsky survey in Jan 2010 finds 52.0% of Mexicans approve of President Felipe Calderon; compared w/55.0% in Dec 09, 66.0% in Jan 09

Poll: Mitofsky survey in Jan 2010 finds 54.5% of Mexicans think country is on wrong track; compared w/55.8% in Dec 09, 54.9% in Jan 09

Poll: Mitofsky survey in Jan 2010 finds 61.8% of Mexicans see inflation much higher in next yr; compared w/61.9% in Dec 09, 55.6% in Jan 09

Poll: Mitofsky survey finds 74.1% of Mexicans see economy worsening in year to come in Jan 2010; compared w/75.9% in Dec 09, 73.9% in Jan 09

Poll: Mitofsky survey finds 85.8% of Mexicans see economy worse in Jan 2010 v. 1yr prior; compared w/86.0% in Dec 09, 84.1% in Jan 09

INEGI: IMMEX maquiladora employment -8.5% in Nov v. year-ago to 1.65mln; work-hours -7.1% to 310mln; registered companies -1.0% to 5,235

Top Story Universal: Guzman Loera & Ag Min Receive Subsidies - Brothers of narco capo El Chapo & Ag Min Mayorga now drawing farm credits

Top Biz Story Universal: Credit Bureaus Must Make Records More Transparent - Debtors to receive free report with data from both bureaus

Top Story Jornada: Succar, To Be Released From Max Security - Child porn kingpin Jean Succar Kuri wins transfer to Cancun min security jail

Top Story Reforma: Church Sends SOS - In new report Catholic Church, warns on violence, insecurity; blames impunity & corruption in govt

Top Biz Story Reforma: Mexico Leads In M&A - Thru Feb. 12, $38bln in activity, top among emerging mkts, third among all countries worldwide

Top Story Economista: Treasury Bonds, Pemex Bonds, To Sell In Supermarkets - Starting 2H10, consumers may buy govt bills w/o intermediaries

Top Story Financiero: Mortgage Market Shrinkage - [In 2009] bridge loans practically froze; nearly 1,000 homebuilders suspended operations

Top Story Milenio: Juarez: 757% More Murders Than Nat'l Ave. - In 2008, 101 slain/100k residents v. Mexico average of 11.79/100k

Top Story Cronica: Juarez, In Total Destruction: Local Congressional Head - Maria Avila Serna says city is disaster zone, wealthy have fled

INEGI: UNEMPLOYMENT: Seasonally adjusted joblessness rate falls to 5.72% in Q409 v. 5.75% in Q3, but still second-highest rate in years

Top Story Universal: We Haven't Listened: President - Calderon in Juarez admits govt "hasn't listened properly for years" to crime victims

Top Story Jornada: Calderon Hemmed In By Protest At Juarez - Mothers of youths slain in January, others attend speech to heckle, denounce

Top Story Reforma: Friends Of Ruiz Sold Notaries - 2 close allies of Oaxaca Gov. Ulises Ruiz probed for selling notary licenses for millions

Top Biz Story Reforma: Televisa Stake In Nextel Approved - Regulators authorizes purchase of between 30% and 40% of Mexico wireless unit

Top Story Economista: Radical Change In Juarez Strategy - President Calderon outlined four pillars for new tack on troubled border city

Top Story Financiero: Private Sector Says Reforms Fading - Major business groups say hope disappearing amidst rarefied political atmosphere

Top Story Milenio: Juarez Ire Explodes On Calderon - President's trip to crime-ridden city to outline security plan met with protests, anger

Top Story Cronica: Cuauhtemoc, Diego Against Alliances - PRD, PAN heavyweights both oppose brewing electoral alliances between the 2 parties

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 0.28% in early trade Fri at 30,833.28 v. Thu close of 30,746.05 -- down 0.32% on Thu w/range 30,686.83 - 30,994.34

Markets: Peso weaker 0.24% in early trade Fri at 48hr sell rate of 12.99 v. Thu close of 12.96 -- firmed 0.9% on Thu w/range 12.96 - 13.24

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 0.32% at close Thu at 30,845.63 v. open of 30,746.54 -- range 30,686.830 - 30,832.740 - YTD = -4.0%

Markets: Peso firmed 1.25% at close Thu at 48hr sell rate of 12.9610/US$ v. open of 13.1250 -- range 12.9610 - 13.1300 - YTD = 1.1% firmer

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 0.05% in early trade Thu at 30,803.44 v. Wed close of 30,818.48 -- up 0.24% on Wed w/range 30,460.30 - 30,897.95

Markets: Peso weaker 0.48% in early trade Thu at 48hr sell rate of 13.14 v. Wed close of 13.08 -- ended flat on Wed w/range 13.03 - 13.24

INEGI: Mexico's Industrial Production Index (IP) -7.3% for full-year 2009 as manufacturing, construction weighed

INEGI: IP/Manufacturing -10.2% in 2009

INEGI: IP/Construction -7.5% in 2009

INEGI: IP/Mining +1.0% in 2009

INEGI: IP/Gas, Water, Power +1.2% for 2009

INEGI: Dec seasonally adjusted, annualized Industrial Production Index +12.65% v. +9.20% in Nov -- annual trend rate +8.54% in Dec

INEGI: Dec seasonally adjusted, annualized IP/Manufacturing +25.58% v. +28.31% in Nov -- annual trend rate +23.87% in Dec

INEGI: Dec seasonally adjusted, annualized IP/Construction -12.88% v. +0.90% in Nov -- annual trend rate -4.26% in Dec

INEGI: Dec seasonally adjusted, annualized IP/Mining -1.14% v. -5.76% in Nov -- annual trend rate -0.69% in Dec

INEGI: Dec seasonally adjusted, annualized IP/Gas, Water, Power +0.44% v. -9.66% in Nov -- annual trend rate -2.53% in Dec

COMPANY: Coca-Cola grows sales 6% in Mexico in 2009; will invest $700mln this year

Top Biz Universal: Gomez Mont Quits PAN Over Alliances - Interior Minister Gomez Mont resigned from party after vote pact with PRD in Oaxaca

Top Story Jornada: Gomez Mont's Spectacle; Leaves PAN - Hours after PAN-PRD Oaxaca alliance, Interior Minister renounces ruling party

Top Story Reforma: Alliance Unleashes Crisis - PAN electoral alliance with PRD in Oaxaca leads Interior Minister Gomez Mont to quit party

Top Biz Story Reforma: Conflicts Stall Wind Farms - Major wind generation projects in Oaxaca held up by financing, land conflict problems

Top Story Economista: Tax Evasion Falls - Study: Tax evasion fell from 40% rate in 2000 to 23% in 2008 as authorities improve collection

Top Story Financiero: Study: Tax Losses Outstrip Revenue - Loopholes and tax evasion total 11% of GDP in 2008 v. revenue of 10% that year

Top Story Milenio: Gomez Mont Leaves PAN - Mexico's 2nd-most-powerful man, Interior Minister quit ruling party without revealing why

Top Story Cronica: 300k Jobs Lost In Juarez In 2yrs - Local maquiladora group cites 120k direct, 180k indirect losses in factories there

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 0.29% at close Wed at 30,746.05 v. open of 30,836.61 -- range 30,460.30 - 30,897.95 - YTD = -4.3%

Markets: Peso weaker 0.32% at close Wed at 48hr sell rate of 13.0810 v. open of 13.0395 -- range 13.0297 - 13.0891 - YTD = 0.2% firmer

Top Story Universal: Mexico Affected By Govt Image - Los Pinos calls for foreign consultant bids to improve fed govt's image abroad

Top Story Jornada: Army Backs Calderon Reform - Defense Minister Galvan threw weight behind president's political & economic reform agendas

Top Story Reforma: Union Pressures Educ. Ministry - SNTE refuses to begin 2010 salary talks until "unfulfilled promises" from past are met

Top Biz Story Reforma: Jobs Go To 3 States - In past 8mos, 142k new jobs, but 50% concentrated in Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua, Coahuila states

Top Story Economista: CCE Accepts IETU, Seeks To End Income Tax - Top biz group cedes to Supreme Court on IETU, but says 2 tax codes unfair

Top Story Financiero: CNVB: Bank Profits To Slim Down - Profit margins of 20% to go to less than 13% due to higher reserve requirements

Top Story Milenio: Moving Govt Seat Just Talk - Chihuahua Gov Reyes Baez proposal to shift to Ciudad Juarez temporarily not yet formal

Top Story Cronica: Defense Min: Proposal To Divide Military Branches To Fail - "Waste of time to separate soldiers of air, land, and sea."

CREDIT: Bank of Mexico: 24% of companies tapped financing in Q409 v. 22% in Q309 and 29% in Q408; 59% from supplier credit v. 58% and 55%

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 0.50% in early trade Wed at 30,496.63 v. Tue close of 30,649.44 -- down 0.55% on Tue w/range 30,649.55 - 30,998.18

Markets: Peso weaker 0.06% in early trade Wed at 48hr sell rate of 13.09 v. Tue close of 13.08
-- firmed 0.8% on Tue w/range 13.04 - 13.24

INEGI: 2009 Total Petroleum Exports of 30,883 v. 50,635 (US$mln) in Full-Year 2008; y/y var. of -39.0%

INEGI: 2009 Total Intermediate Goods Imports of 170,821 v. 220,316 (US$mln) in Full-Year 2008; y/y var. of -22.5%

INEGI: 2009 Total Consumer Goods Imports of 32,649 v. 48,054 (US$mln) in Full-Year 2008; y/y var. of -32.1%

INEGI: 2009 Total Capital Goods Imports of 30,661 v. 38,887 (US$mln) in Full-Year 2008; y/y var. of -21.2%

INEGI: Dec seasonally adjusted, annualized exports rose 6.59% v. 89.48% in Nov -- annual trend rate in Dec at 41.08%

INEGI: Dec seasonally adjusted, annualized Petroleum Exports rose 128.66% v. 9.74% in Nov -- annual trend rate 112.96%

INEGI: Dec seasonally adjusted, annualized Capital Goods Imports rose 18.66% v. 62.59% in Nov -- annual trend rate 18.67%

INEGI: Dec seasonally adjusted, annualized Consumer Goods Imports rose 258.50% v. 123.56% in Nov -- annual trend rate 49.58%

TAXES: Supreme Court rules definitively that Single-Rate Business Tax (IETU) is constitutional, annulling tens of thousands of injunctions

TRADE: US BEA reports 2009 imports of advanced tech products from Mex at $40bln, 13% of total v. 12% of total in 2008, 2nd to China ($90bln)

TRADE: US BEA reports 2009 total exports to Mex at $129bln, 12% of all US exports; total imports from Mex of $177bln, 11% of all US imports

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 0.55% at close Tue at 30,818.48 v. open of 30,649.55 -- range 30,649.551 - 30,998.180 - YTD = -4.1%

Markets: Peso firmed 0.40% at close Tue at 48hr sell rate of 13.081 v. open of 13.134 -- range 13.0430 - 13.157 - YTD = 0.2% firmer

SURVEY: 49% of Mexicans back woman's right to choice on abortion issue; 45% against; remainder unsure -- nat'l survey by Consulta Mitofsky

Markets: Peso firmed 0.42% in early trade Tue at 48hr sell rate of 13.1290 v. Mon close of 13.1840 - firmed 0.2% -- Mon range 13.13 - 13.24

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 0.85% in early trade Tue at 30,891.74 v. Mon close of 30,630.73 - down 0.06% -- Mon range 30,528.96 - 30,778.02

INEGI: Nov 2009 Gross Fixed Investment Index rose 1.9% on month-to-month, seasonally adjusted basis v. -0.7% in Oct and -4.5% in Nov 2008

INEGI: Nov 2009 GFI Construction Indicator rose 0.6% on month-to-month, seasonally adjusted basis v. -0.6% in Oct and -2.5% in Nov 2008

INEGI: Nov 09 GFI Machinery & Equipment Index rose 2.9% on month-to-month, seasonally adjusted basis v. -0.1% in Oct and -7.2% in Nov 08

INEGI: Nov 2009 GFI M&E Domestic Indicator rose 0.8% on month-to-month, seasonally adjusted basis v. -0.1% in Oct and -4.7% in Nov 2008

INEGI: Nov 2009 GFI M&E Imported rose 5.4% on month-to-month, seasonally adjusted basis v. -1.1% in Oct and -7.8% in Nov 2008

RESERVES: Bank of Mexico reports international reserves in dollars at $93.476bln as of Feb 5 v. $92.555 on Jan 29

INFLATION: Among highest hikes on prices of services in Jan: sports events (7.0% annual), movie tickets (8.0%), gyms (5.2%)

INFLATION: Among highest hikes on prices of goods in Jan: beer (11.0% annual), butter (11.0%), canned tuna (8.6%), light bulbs (17.7%)

INFLATION: Bank of Mexico says producer price inflation up 0.42% in Jan.; annualized index at 3.38% v. 3.29% in Dec. 09

INFLATION: Bank of Mexico says goods price inflation for consumers at 5.73% in Jan v. 5.57% in Dec 09; services inflation at 3.73% v. 3.41%

INFLATION: Bank of Mexico says core inflation for Jan up 0.66% on mon.; annualized index at 4.70% v. 4.46% in Dec 09

INFLATION: Bank of Mexico says Jan. consumer prices up 1.09%; index at annualized rate of 4.46% v. 3.57% in Dec 09

AMIA: Automotive exports rose 63,132 units to 114,193 in Jan v. same mo. 2009 -- 123.6% year-on-year

AMIA: Automotive production rose 83,525 units to 165,058 in Jan v. same mo. 2009 -- 102.4% year-on-year

AMIA: Domestic automotive sales fell -5,600 units to 64,064 in Jan v. same mo. 2009 -- -8.0% year-on-year

Top Story Universal: Fuel Prices To Rise All Year - Pemex plans to hike gasoline, gas, diesel each month in 2010; sees $10bln extra in sales

Top Story Jornada: Gomez Apologizes For Calderon Comments - Interior minister says claim that slain Juarez youths were narcos was an error

Top Story Reforma: Federal Payroll Rose In Crisis - In 2009, amid budget cuts, spending on personnel in fed govt grew 8.3% in real terms

Top Biz Story Reforma: Car Sales Need Credit - Domestic sales -8% y/y in Jan amid lack of dealer financing, automotive groups say

Top Story Economista: Juarez Crime Closes 5k Businesses (no time frame cited) - Local Chamber of Commerce head says closures on rise

Top Story Financiero: Lack Of Reforms Endangers Mexico - Analysts say window for crucial tax reform closing as presidential term grinds on

Top Story Milenio: Apology For President's Comments - Interior Min Gomez Mont says Calderon erred in calling slain Juarez youths gangsters

Top Story Cronica: Floods Due To Lack Of Repairs - President blames Mexico City flooding on lack of public works in past; mayor disagrees

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 0.05% at close Mon at 30,649.44 v. open of 30,633.38 -- range 30,532.199 - 30,778.020 - YTD = -4.6%

Markets: Peso firmed 0.09% at close Mon at 48hr sell rate of 13.1840 v. open of 13.1965 -- range 13.1313 - 13.1975 - YTD = 0.6% weaker

Companies: Chrysler-Fiat will invest $500mln to add Fiat 500 model to Toluca plant; to reach 100k/yr capacity; 95% for export to N. & S. Am.

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 0.08% in early trade Mon at 30,580.33 v. Fri close of 30,603.71 - down 0.09% -- Fri range 29,926.06 - 30,630.73

Markets: Peso firmed 0.16% in early trade Mon at 48hr sell rate of 13.1890 v. Fri close of 13.2100 -- Fri range 13.15 - 13.24

Top Story Universal: Sewage System Threat To Central Region - Mexico City sewage lake in Hidalgo leading to well contamination, poisoned air

Top Biz Story Universal: Govt Lowers Investment, Raises Current Spending -. Budget cuts hit highways, energy, etc.; bureaucracy outlays grew

Top Story Jornada: Chihuahua To Get Single Czar For Crime Battle - Los Pinos to propose commissioner for security, social, economic programs

Top Story Reforma: Notaries Launder Narco Money - In new form of extortion, narcos force victims to cede goods & property via notary public

Top Biz Story Reforma: Credit Bureau Registers Late Rents - Starting in Mar, owners may report delinquent tenants to bureau

Top Story Economista: Airline Merger Provokes Polemic - Mexicana CEO Manuel Borja says domestic market too small for number of carriers

Top Story Financiero: IETU, High Impact For Business - Supreme Court ruling to uphold Single-Rate Business Tax to annul 3.5mln injunctions

Top Story Milenio: No Definitive Advantages In Elections: Calderon - In Wash Post interview, downplays recent victories by PRI as predictive

Top Story Cronica: Chalco Flooding Continues; Breach To Be Repaired Today - National Water Commission working to patch failed Fed Dist canal

Companies: Home improvement retailer Lowe's opened two stores in Monterrey at a cost of nearly $20mln per store; marks expansion into Mexico

Top Story Cronica: Baeza Moves To Ciudad Juarez - To fight narco, Chihuhua Gov. Jose Reyes Baeza to move state capital to Juarez temporarily

Top Story Universal: 7k Homes Flooded With Sewage in Fed Dist, State of Mexico - Canal wall collapses, flooding homes in 3 municipalities

Top Story Milenio: Fed Dist Govt Charges Lack Of Warning From Los Pinos - City says Natl Water Commission failed to sound alarm on storms

Top Story Cronica: Another Spillover - 12k families affected when canal wall collapses in State of Mexico; one worker electrocuted

Top Story Jornada: Emergency! - Dike wall ruptures in State of Mexico, flooding hundreds of households, Mexico-Puebla highway, with sewage

Top Biz Story Reforma: Mortgages Hit Middle Class - Bad mortgage debt grew 58 percent in mid-sector in real terms in 2009, central bank says

Top Story Reforma: Prosecutors Cost Millions Of Hours - Filing 173k crime reports in Federal District required 1.9mln hours in 2008; ave 11hrs/report

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 0.09% at close Fri at 30,630.73 v. open of 30,603.88 -- range 29,926.061 - 30,630.730 - YTD = -4.6%

Markets: Peso weaker 0.36% at close Fri at 48hr sell rate of 13.2100 v. open of 13.1627 -- range 13.1458 - 13.2548 - YTD = 0.8% weaker

Top Story Universal: Fed. Dist. Emergency Due To "Atypical" Rains - Historic rainfall causes floods, drives families from homes, fells trees

Top Biz Story Universal: FinMin Close To Winning IETU Case - Supreme Court upholds nearly all of the Single-Rate Business Tax (IETU)

Top Story Reforma: Income Tax On Pensions Challenged - Lawmakers criticize retiree tax; leftist parties pull resolution urging govt to ax it

Biz Story Reforma: Mexico Slowest Growth In LatAm - UN com. reports country GDP averaged mere 1.9% per year 2000-09; Panama led with 5.8%

Top Story Jornada: Rain Plays Havoc; Thousands Left Homeless - Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard declares state of emergency amid flooding

Top Story Financiero: Global Stocks Plunge - European markets lead decline as economic jitters in Spain trashes Euro; Mex peso, stocks hit

Top Story Milenio - Rains Collapse Federal Dist., 19 States - Two days of heavy precipitation causes widespread flooding, power outages

Top Story Cronica: Remedios River and Great Canal Overflow - Delays in repairs of Mexico City deep drainage system leads to severe flooding

INEGI: Composite Indicators; Leading Index 112.0 (2003=100) Nov vs. 110.7 points in Oct ; 1.17% on month

INEGI: Composite Indicators; Current Index 98.3 (2003=100) Nov vs. 96.8 points in Oct ; 1.55% on month

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 3.57% in early trade Fri at 30,169.79 v. Thu close of 31,287.04 - up 2.23% -- Thu range 30,530.41 - 31,285.53

Markets: Peso weaker 2.67% in early trade Fri at 48hr sell rate of 13.1793 v. Thu close of 12.8370 - firmed 0.2% -- Thu range 12.88 - 13.24

Markets: Peso weaker 0.37% at close Thu at 48hr sell rate of 13.0935 v. open of 13.0450 -- range 13.0300 - 13.1221 - YTD = 0.1% firmer

Markets: Bolsa IPC down 2.39% at close Thu at 30,537.99 v. open of 31,285.53 -- range 30,532.961 - 31,285.529 - YTD = -4.9%

POLITICS: PRI, Greens, with 258/500 votes in lower-house Chamber of Deputies, agree to push for common legislative agenda in spring session

MEXICO CITY: Heavy rains, strong winds cause flooding, fallen trees; power outages in at least 20 neighborhoods

Politics: PRD expels Federal Dep. Ariel Gomez Leon for declaring Haitians are "abusive blacks" that "all look the same"

INEGI: New study shows homicides fell from 10.15/100k in 2000 to 8.38/100k in 2007; use of firearms in homicides rose from 50% to 57%

Top Story Universal: Massacred Kids Not Narcos - Authorities say hit squad fired on 3 homes indiscriminately; teens were collateral kills

Top Biz Story Universal: Pemex Unable To Lower Imports - Oil giant spent US$12.8bln to import fuels in 2009; trade deficit of US$8.7bln

INEGI: Jan Consumer Confidence: Overall sentiment 81.5 v. 79.0 in Dec ; -4.8% v. 12mo high

INEGI: Jan Consumer Confidence: Perceptions of national situation one year from now 92.2 v. 90.4 in Dec ; -1.3% v. 12mo high

INEGI: Jan Consumer Confidence: Perceptions of national situation v. one-year ago 76.8 v. 73.2 in Dec ; -2.7% v. 12mo high

INEGI: Jan Consumer Confidence: Perceptions of household situation one year from now 94.3 v. 92.7 in Dec ; 3.3% v. 12mo high

INEGI: Jan Consumer Confidence: Perceptions of household situation v. one-year ago at 87.5 v. 85.6 in Dec ; -3.0% v. 12mo high

Top Story Reforma: Income Tax Code Punishes Retirees - For 1st time, social security payment will be taxed; only largest payees affected

Top Biz Story Reforma: Mexico Snoozes As China Grows - Mexico falls behind; ranks only 8th-largest exporter to country in LatAm

Top Story Jornada: 10k Orphans From Juarez Violence - NGOs say in recent years 10k children left w/o parents, 60k families moved to El Paso

Top Story Milenio: Without Reform, Democracy At Risk: Segob - Interior Minister Gomez Mont says political deterioration threatens system

Top Story Financiero: Foreign Tax Credits Endangered - Supreme Court ruling that IETU differs from income tax could create double taxation

Top Story Cronica: Slain Teens Innocent: Officials - Chihuahua investigators say 16 teens gunned down at a party last Sun were not narcos

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 1.21% in early trade Thu at 31,250.58 v. Wed close of 30,876.65 - down 1.31% -- Wed range 30,763.64 - 31,396.90

Markets: Peso weaker 0.80% in early trade Thu at 48hr sell rate of 12.9399 v. Wed close of 12.8370 - firmed 0.2% -- Wed range 12.88 - 13.24

AUTOMOTIVE: Toyota to recall 30,000 vehicles in Mexico; company says 2010 sales target of 50k units may be affected by accelerator problem

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 1.35% at close Wed at 31,287.04 v. open of 30,869.99 -- range 30,763.641 - 31,396.900 - YTD = -2.6% 32,120.47

Markets: Peso weaker 0.66% at close Wed at 48hr sell rate of 12.9650 v. open of 12.880 -- range 12.8800 - 12.9750 - YTD = 1.1% firmer 13.11

Telecom: Antitrust agency CFC upholds ruling that wireless Telcel is dominant in mkt; opens door for further regulatory action from Cofetel

Top Story Milenio: US Sees A Stable Mexico, Despite Drugs - Natl Intel Dir. Dennis Blair says narco problem severe, but rules out breakdown

Top Story Cronica: Govt Reworks Juarez Strategy - After slaughter of teens, Pres. Calderon says new anti-crime plan to be deployed

Top Story Financiero: Carstens: Drastic Periods Ahead - Central bank Gov. Agustin Carstens says though crisis past, potholes remain in road

Top Story Universal: PAN Halts Tamaulipas Elections Over Narco - Party to pick statehouse candidate, says primaries tainted by narco cash

Top Biz Story Reforma: FinMin Exaggerates Surplus: Experts - Govt may have lowered revenue projections in 2009 budget to pressure tax reform

Top Story Reforma: US Firms Fear IETU - US companies worry that IETU alternative tax payments will not be accredited by IRS this year

INEGI: Manufacturing Orders Index (IPM): Jan survey of manufacturers yields result of 49.9 (50=growth threshold) v. 49.2 in Dec

INEGI: Producer Confidence Index (IPC): Jan survey of manufacturers yields result of 40.3 (50=growth threshold) v. 40.7 in Dec

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 2.83% in early trade Wed at 31,250.58 v. Tue close of 30,391.61 - down 1.57% -- Tue range 30,416.64 - 30,922.03

Markets: Peso weaker 0.80% in early trade Wed at 48hr sell rate of 12.9399 v. Tue close of 12.8370 - firmed 1.5% -- Tue range 12.84 - 13.24

Banxico: Net international reserves rise to US$92.56bln Jan. 29 from US$91.19bln Jan. 22

INEGI: Study: Monterrey (104%) is most expensive city to live in Mexico (Mexico City=100%), followed by Los Cabos (103), and Cancun (101)

Markets: Bolsa IPC up 1.51% at close Tue at 30,876.65 v. open of 30,416.64 -- range 30,416.64 - 30,922.03 - YTD = -3.9%

Markets: Peso firmed 0.20% at close Tue at 48hr sell rate of 12.8600 v. open of 12.8860 -- range 12.8400 - 12.9165 - YTD = 1.9% firmer

Intel Corporation Asks For Federal Judge

It's time for a long overdue update on the legal process unfolding as Intel Corporation sues us on groundless trademark infringement charges.

We've been busy closing down our Mexico City offices, moving our US headquarters, and, on top of the holidays, have not been very active here. But we're back!

At the end of December, our lead counsel, Ronald Coleman of New York-based Goetz Fitzpatrick LLP, and Colby Springer, our California attorney representing us in the Northern California federal district, of Silicon Valley-based Carr & Ferrell LLP, filed a Motion To Dismiss in response to Intel Corporation's frivolous lawsuit.

Apparently bowled back on their heels, on Jan. 14, Intel Corporation lawyers filed a request for reassignment to a United States District Judge!

What does this mean? The case was initially assigned to a magistrate judge, who would usually handle discovery matters and, if the parties both agree, the actual trial. But either party may bounce the magistrate and opt for an actual judge. The move was purely strategic as it gives them additional time to respond to our motion, and it raises our costs, because we have to "renotice".

In other words, this is great news. If Intel Corporation believed they had a slam-dunk case, they would have merely quashed us via the magistrate. Requesting reassignment elevates their legal costs as well, so it was not done sheerly to rattle our cage.

The case has now been reassigned to the Honorable Charles Breyer, a Harvard and Boalt graduate appointed as a federal judge by then-President Bill Clinton in 1997.

We now must gear up for a Case Management Conference on Mar. 5 with Judge Breyer. At that hearing, we will present our Motion To Dismiss once again.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE! EACH SILLY GAMBIT BY INTEL CORPORATION WILL CAUSE US ADDITIONAL EXPENSE. RON AND COLBY ARE, OF COURSE, CHAMPIONING THIS CAUSE PRO BONO, BUT AMERICAS NEWS INTEL PUBLICATIONS LLC MUST COVER THESE EXPENSES OUT-OF-POCKET.

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO DONATE USING THE LINK ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE! EVEN A SMALL DONATION OF $20 WOULD HELP!!!

Politics: Merida Initiative A Scam: PAN - Ruling party's congressional leaders say US has not kept word on US$1.4bln bilateral program

Politics: Following this weekend's slaying of 16 teens at a Cd. Juarez party, Los Pinos vows to step up security strategy there; no details

Politics: President Calderon threw his support behind the Attorney General's Supreme Court challenge to Mexico City's gay marriage law

New Bank of Mexico economist survey reveals 2010 GDP consensus forecast of 3.28% vs. 3.12% in previous survey; 3.46% in 2011

New economist survey reveals 2001 year-end peso consensus forecast of 12.97 /US$ vs. 13.04 in previous survey; 13.31 in 2011

New Bank of Mexico economist survey reveals 2010 inflation consensus forecast of 4.93% vs. 5.04% in previous survey; 3.91% In 2011

New economist survey sees 2010 year-end interest rate consensus forecast of 5.46% vs. 5.52% in previous survey; 6.27% In 2011