Inflation Rises to 3.74% in the First Half of February

Inflation in Mexico showed an increase during the first half of February, surpassing market expectations, although it remains within the limits set by the Bank of Mexico (Banxico). After six weeks of slowing down, the national consumer price index (INPC) reached an annual rate of 3.74% in the first half of the month, slightly above the 3.7% projected by analysts.

Among the products that saw the biggest price increases are: Banana: 5.74%, Egg: 5.28%, Softeners and cleaners: 1.78%, Beef: 1.11%, and Pork: 1.01%. On the other hand, the prices that decreased the most were for Nopales: 10.66%, Zucchini: 10.27%, Watermelon: 10%, Onion: 7.1%, and Carrot: 4.79%.

The core inflation, which serves as a more reliable indicator for understanding price behavior, stood at 3.63%, while the non-core price index reached 3.98%, according to a notice from Inegi. It was expected that overall inflation would rise to 3.7%, and core inflation would reach 3.6%. Within core inflation, the education and other services sectors saw the most significant increases, with growths of 5.69% and 5.37%, respectively. Compared to the previous half-month, the INPC rose by 0.15% and core inflation by 0.27%. In the last 15 days, the goods that had the highest increases are the ones already mentioned.

In a context where inflation tends to fluctuate, it is crucial for consumers to stay informed about changes in the prices of products they use daily. Financial planning and budgeting become essential to mitigate the impact of rising prices on household wallets. It is advisable to diversify expenses and prioritize needs to cope with these changes in the cost of living.