This week in finance news: Banxico closed 2025 by cutting its benchmark interest rate to 7.0%, while signaling a potential pause in early 2026, as Mexico’s economic activity posted a 1.6% annual rebound driven by a surge in the primary sector. In the United States, the IMF warned of slowing growth and “mounting strains” on the economy, a situation compounded by a record 43-day federal government shutdown that disrupted data collection. Meanwhile, Mexican banks increased their IPAB contributions to MX$28.5 billion, and the global crypto industry reported losses of US$3.4 billion to theft over the year.

More news below:

Banxico Cuts Rates Again, Flags Caution for Early 2026

Banxico cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 7.0% at its final policy meeting of 2025, while signaling a possible pause in its easing cycle in early 2026 to assess inflationary pressures stemming from fiscal adjustments and global trade policies.

IMF Cautions on US Growth as Economic Pressures Build

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is flagging rising signs of stress in the US economy, with growth expected to slow in the fourth quarter. A record 43-day federal government shutdown, however, has limited the Fund’s ability to carry out a full economic evaluation, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said on Thursday.

Mexico’s Economic Activity Rose 1.6% YoY in October

Mexico’s economic activity grew 1.6% year over year in October, driven mainly by a sharp expansion in the primary sector. The Global Indicator of Economic Activity (IGAE)—a monthly proxy for GDP—also posted a 1% month-over-month increase, rebounding from a 0.4% contraction in September, according to INEGI.

Mexican Banks Increase IPAB Contributions to MX$28.5 Billion

Commercial banks operating in Mexico contributed more than MX$28.543 billion to the Institute for the Protection of Bank Savings (IPAB) between January and September 2025, an increase of MX$2.68 billion compared with the same period in 2024. 

Crypto Industry Hit by US$3.4 Billion in 2025 Theft Incidents

The global cryptocurrency industry faced a significant security crisis in 2025,marked by high-profile thefts and a concentration of losses in a few significant incidents. Between January and early December, stolen funds exceeded US$3.4 billion, according to Chainalysis’ latest Crypto Crime Report.