July 2011

By Jonathan J. Levin and Andres R. Martinez
Bloomberg

Sales of fixed-rate corporate bonds in Mexico’s local market are in their longest drought in six months as investors shun the securities on speculation the central bank will boost benchmark borrowing costs next year.

There have been no fixed-rate offerings in the past six weeks, the longest stretch since the period ended Jan. 21, while sales of floating-rate bonds from companies, including Banco Inbursa, surged more than three-fold this month to 9.7 billion pesos ($831.7 million), according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Variable-rate bonds have accounted for 73 percent of this year’s 112 billion pesos of offerings, putting sales on pace for a record year.

While inflation is holding near a five-year low, traders are betting policymakers will raise interest rates from a record low as soon as April as the expansion in Latin America’s second-biggest economy accelerates.

A rebound in the U.S. economy, the destination for 80 percent of Mexico’s exports, will cause growth to pick up in its southern neighbor, fueling price increases, said Alonso Madero, who helps oversee $5.5 billion of debt at Corp. Actinver.

Most Mexican companies that sell floating-rate bonds in the local market lock in a fixed rate by using the swaps market, Deputy Finance Minister Gerardo Rodriguez said in an interview in New York last month.

www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-25/fixed-rate-sales-dry-up-as-investors-brace-for-inflation-mexico-credit.html

MARKETWIRE - Project operator Sundance Minerals and Excellon Resources have agreed to commence drilling at the Pluton property in Mapimi in Durango. Drilling will be carried by Major Drilling of Hermosillo.

www.marketwatch.com/story/sundance-to-commence-drilling-at-the-pluton-property-in-mapimi-durango-mexico-2011-07-25

MARKETWIRE - AMEX Exploration has obtained all necessary permits and license for its drill program at the Nueva Escondida property in Sonora and drilling is expected to begin as early as today.

www.marketwatch.com/story/amex-starts-drilling-at-nueva-escondida-property-mexico-2011-07-25-93150

PRNewswire - Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by an accumulated 5.7 million metric tons in Mexico City since it began implementing its Green Plan in 2008. The reduction represents 82 percent of its target of reducing emissions.
www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mexico-city-reduces-ghg-emissions-by-57-million-metric-tonnes-126112918.html