The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for Mexico declined 2.6 percent in December to 103.6 (2010 = 100), following a 1.0 percent increase in November, and a 0.8 percent decline in October.
At the same time, The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for Mexico, a measure of current economic activity, increased 0.3 percent in December to 114.4 (2010 = 100), following a 0.2 percent increase in November, and a 0.3 percent increase in October.
The LEI for Mexico fell sharply in December, with falling oil prices being the main driver. As a result, the six-month growth rate of the LEI has moved into negative territory. Meanwhile, the moderate upward trend in the CEI for Mexico continued through December and as a result its six-month rate of increase has held steady. Although the rate of growth in the LEI has declined sharply in recent months, the strengths in the leading indicators remain widespread. In addition, the improvements in the CEI have been moderate, but steady. Mexico's current rate of economic expansion is likely to continue in the months ahead, but it will face downside risks due to low oil prices.
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