# Banxico Cuts Interest Rates Amid Internal Disagreement and Inflation Forecasts

The central bank lowered rates to 6.25% while signaling a prolonged pause ahead.

- **Source:** [El Financiero](https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx)
- **Published:** 2026-11-09
- **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance)
- **Original article:** <https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/opinion/enrique-quintana/2026/11/10/las-polemicas-por-la-decision-de-banxico/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/af0ea0ff-e291-4cc6-927a-d44a2d4693d1

## Divided Monetary Policy Decision

The Bank of Mexico's governing board voted 3-2 to reduce the reference rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%. Governor Victoria Rodríguez Ceja, along with Gabriel Cuadra and Omar Mejía, supported the cut. Conversely, Galia Borja and Jonathan Heath dissented, marking the third split vote of the year.

## Market Consensus and Surprises

Most analysts were caught off guard, as 20 of 36 participants in a Citi survey expected no change. Only six institutions, including Barclays and UBS, correctly anticipated the move. These forecasters analyzed previous meeting minutes as a vote count rather than a general sentiment, identifying the board's clear inclination.

## Contradictory Economic Signals

Critics highlight a paradox: Banxico cut rates while simultaneously raising its fourth-quarter inflation forecast from 3.5% to 3.7%. The bank maintained a risk balance skewed to the upside and acknowledged that long-term inflation expectations remain above target. Analysts warn that this confidence in disinflation may exceed what current data suggests.

## Internal Defense of Policy

Governor Rodríguez Ceja argues that the inflation uptick was anticipated and driven by non-core components. She notes that core inflation has been declining since February, with improvements in services. Furthermore, she emphasizes that the economic slack reduces exchange rate pass-through, justifying the rate cut despite the volatile macroeconomic environment.

## Future Rate Path Projections

Barclays economists interpret the bank's 'prolonged time' guidance as a temporary pause rather than a final stop. They project a final 25 basis point cut in March 2027, aiming for a 6% terminal rate. This aligns with the government's 2027 economic criteria, which also anticipates a year-end rate of 6%.

## External Factors and Constraints

The board must navigate the Federal Reserve's policy cycle, which remains a key variable. Barclays suggests that Banxico will likely avoid cuts in December or January if the Fed raises rates, preferring to wait until March. This allows the board to assess annual price adjustments and minimum wage impacts.

## Exchange Rate and Fiscal Impact

While the rate cut impacts short-term debt like CETES, analysts suggest the exchange rate is a more significant fiscal lever. A higher exchange rate can boost oil revenues and tariff income. Experts clarify that the central bank's primary goal remains inflation control rather than providing direct fiscal support to the Treasury.

## Monitoring Upcoming Data Points

The effectiveness of this policy shift will be tested by upcoming data, including October's full inflation report from INEGI. Market participants are also looking toward the November 19 release of the meeting minutes and the Federal Reserve's December decision. These events will clarify if the current rate path remains sustainable.

## Sources covering this story

- [El Financiero — Banxico's Controversial Interest Rate Cut Analysis](https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/opinion/enrique-quintana/2026/11/10/las-polemicas-por-la-decision-de-banxico/)
- [Expansión — Barclays Forecasts Further Banxico Rate Cuts Toward 6% by 2027](https://expansion.mx/economia/2026/11/09/banxico-promete-mantener-tasa-barclays-preve-otro-recorte)

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
