The Resurgence of Cetes: A Gift for the Mexican Government
Security and low risk levels, along with a return that outpaces inflation, are the two characteristics that have made Cetes a very attractive investment option in recent years, especially among the younger generations. The numbers are telling: between 2012 and 2024, investment in Cetes grew significantly, both in the number of contracts and the amounts involved. In the first case, we went from 22,000 to 2.3 million contracts, and in the second, from 6,380 million to 166,264 million pesos.
What attracts investors to Cetes? For some, it's simple: “I started investing in Cetes this year because they offer very competitive interest rates, higher than many investment funds, and they're less risky. I feel like it's a good way to save for the future,” said Sofía to Expansión. Lizbeth highlighted that “it's a tool that ensures I have access to funds without losing purchasing power,” although she admits she only plans to keep the investment unless there's a drastic change in interest rates. Luz also shared her experience: "I've kept my money invested for up to two years and I've been satisfied with the returns; if I could leave it for 10 years, I would, though honestly, I like to spend and that complicates things for me a bit," she added. The three women are among the Mexicans who have driven the growth of investments in Cetes recently, and they also contribute to closing the gender gap in this type of investment.
The Mexican government is the main beneficiary of this trend, as it has managed to attract money from a segment of the population that previously didn't know how to invest its income safely. Starting in December, CetesDirecto has increased the minimum amount required to participate in its Recurring Savings program, going from 100 to 300 pesos. The minimum investment period has also been extended from 28 to 90 days. This means that investors will need to commit their capital for longer periods, aiming for policies that align with more robust financial practices. Marco, who has been investing in Cetes since February 2023, commented: “Now that the rules have changed, I think it's an incentive to keep my savings untouched for a longer time. I plan to leave them for at least two years and add a bit of extra money now and then." The following charts show how investment in Cetes has evolved over the last 12 years. Young Mexicans are emerging as the main individual investors in these instruments, while the Mexican government is gathering more funds. Additionally, women are gaining ground as investors compared to men. It's worth noting that Cetes returns exceed inflation by more than double, which currently stands at 4.5%, according to data from Inegi.
Currently, investing in Cetes can be a very effective financial strategy, not only due to the lower risk but also because of the ability to generate returns that protect purchasing power in times of inflation. However, it's important for investors to consider diversifying their portfolios and evaluating different investment options to maximize their long-term benefits.
