Core Viewpoint - The Mexican peso has emerged as a significant beneficiary of global carry trade, driven by expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts and a weakening dollar, recovering from previous lows due to trade tensions with the U.S. [1][3] Group 1: Currency Performance - Over the past three months, the peso has appreciated by 4% against the dollar, outperforming other major currencies and becoming the best-performing emerging market asset [1] - The peso rebounded from a low of 21 pesos per dollar in February to around 18.5 pesos, erasing losses since Trump's election [1] Group 2: Trade Relations and Agreements - Mexico's relative success in U.S. trade negotiations, particularly through the USMCA agreement, has allowed it to secure tariff exemptions on most goods [3] - The extension of Trump's "reciprocal tariffs" policy for 90 days has further supported the peso's strength [3] Group 3: Factors Driving Carry Trade Revival - Three key changes have made carry trades attractive again: 1. Weak U.S. employment data has increased expectations for a Fed rate cut, lowering the cost of borrowing dollars [6] 2. The interest rate differential between emerging markets and developed countries is significant, with Mexico's central bank rate at 7.75% compared to a 4.3% yield on U.S. Treasuries [7] 3. A notable decrease in market volatility has made carry trades more appealing [7] Group 4: Investment Trends - Global asset management firms are reallocating investments towards high-yield markets like Mexico, with emerging market bond funds seeing consistent inflows over the past four months, peaking at $1.7 billion in a single week [8] - Leveraged funds have increased bullish bets on the peso to the highest level in nearly a year, reflecting confidence in maintaining a high-interest environment [8] Group 5: Market Sentiment - The overall strength of the peso and Mexican assets is attributed to a weak dollar environment and high carry yields [9] - Despite concerns over U.S. trade policies, recent fluctuations in Trump's more destructive policies have somewhat alleviated investor worries [9]

Core Viewpoint - The announcement of tariffs is seen as a negative signal for emerging market arbitrage trades, particularly affecting currencies in Colombia, Brazil, and Chile, which have all depreciated by over 1.2% [1] Group 1 - Mark McCormick, the head of foreign exchange strategy at TD Securities, indicates that the tariff announcement is not favorable for overbought emerging market arbitrage trades [1] - Currencies in Colombia, Brazil, and Chile have experienced a decline of more than 1.2% following the tariff news [1] Group 2 - Brad Bechtel, global head of foreign exchange at Jefferies, suggests that the current situation remains uncertain and that Trump's letters may be aimed at facilitating a new round of negotiations [1] - Bechtel anticipates further announcements related to tariffs in the coming weeks [1]