The Mexican peso strengthened to around 16.89 per US dollar in September, reaching its highest level since May 2024. US nonfarm payrolls increased by 162,000 last month, well above market expectations for a 56,000 gain. The figures point to continued strength in the US labor market, which is positive for Mexican exports and the economy given the close trade relationship between the two countries. The trade war between the US and Canada, along with trade tensions involving other countries, has positioned Mexico relatively favorably in trade terms, despite the country also being affected by tariffs. Also, Mexico’s gross fixed investment rose 7.7% year-on-year in June, beating expectations for a 4.8% expansion. However, while the strong US jobs data supports economic stability, it boosted expectations for a September Fed rate hike, which would support the dollar and narrow the US-Mexico interest-rate differential.