Mexico Mid-Month Inflation Data May Keep March Cut in Play (1)

Mexico headline inflation sped up slightly faster than expected in early February while the core readings eased marginally, potentially keeping a March interest rate cut by the central bank in play.

Consumer prices rose 3.92% in the first two weeks of February compared to the same period from a year earlier, according national statistics institute data published Tuesday. The reading was above the 3.89% median estimate of analysts surveyed by Bloomberg and up from the 3.82% print in late January.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, slowed slightly to 4.52%, compared to the 4.56% level registered in ...