Mexican Peso Retreats After Three-Day Rally as Dollar Finds Support

The USD/MXN exchange rate climbed to 19.3716 on May 21, 2025, ending a three-day winning streak for the Mexican peso. The currency pair showed a modest 0.35% increase from the previous day’s close of 19.2644, according to trading data from global markets.

Mexican retail sales data released yesterday significantly outperformed expectations with a 0.5% month-over-month increase compared to February’s 0.2% rise.

Year-over-year figures impressed even more at 4.3%, far exceeding the 2.2% forecast. Despite this positive economic news, the peso failed to capitalize as market attention remained fixed on developments in the United States.

President Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” continues to dominate market sentiment. The legislation aims to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while introducing new tax relief measures.

A key provision would triple State and Local Tax deductions from $10,000 to $30,000 for married couples, potentially increasing fiscal pressure.

The bill proposes offsetting expanded tax cuts by reducing expenditure on Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy subsidies while redirecting funds toward defense and immigration enforcement.

The House of Representatives’ vote on this tax bill remains the focal point for traders assessing potential impacts on the dollar.

USD/MXN Technical and Fundamental Outlook

Technical analysis of the USD/MXN chart reveals the pair has recovered from its lowest level since October. Prices have risen above the prior descending trendline established from April’s decline, providing immediate support at 19.28. The Relative Strength Index has moved above 36.00 but continues to reflect bearish momentum overall.

The currency pair now trades near 19.34, having broken through the psychological resistance level at 19.30. If dollar strength persists, USD/MXN could retest the April low near 19.47, bringing the 20-day Simple Moving Average at 19.53 into play.

Banxico’s recent 50 basis point interest rate cut to 8.50% on May 15 continues to influence trading. This easing cycle has narrowed Mexico’s yield advantage over the US, yet the peso‘s strength has persisted largely due to external dollar weakness.

Looking ahead, traders await several key economic releases that could impact the currency pair. US S&P Global preliminary Purchasing Managers Index and Existing Home Sales data arrive today. From Mexico, the final reading of Q1 2025 GDP is projected to show a 0.2% quarterly increase, while May mid-month inflation is expected to rise to 4.01% year-over-year.

The Mexican peso has declined by 7.42% against the dollar year-to-date. Despite this recent pullback, analysts have adjusted their expectations favorably. The consensus now projects USD/MXN at 20.69 for year-end 2025, lower than previous forecasts of 20.80.

Lingering US-Mexico trade tensions and Mexico’s modest economic growth remain key risk factors for the peso in the coming months. The currency’s immediate direction will likely depend on the outcome of the US tax bill vote and upcoming economic data releases.