Mexico's economy is projected to continue growing steadily after the June presidential election, in line with the performance of the United States. The fiscal front will become more challenging for the new government, with concerns about the impact on inflation. Leading the electoral race is ruling party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, who has promised fiscal discipline but has yet to offer detailed plans. Gross domestic product (GDP) is forecasted to rise 2.2% this year and 1.9% in 2025, driven by good macro results in the U.S. and increased remittance flows. Mexico's overall fiscal deficit is set to end 2024 at 5.9% of GDP, the highest in IMF public finances data series starting in 2015. The deficit is expected to be reduced to 3.0% in 2025 if goals set by the current economic team are met. The Mexican benchmark rate is expected to be cut by 50 basis points each quarter this year, ending 2024 at 9.50% and 2025 at 7.50%. Some members of the central bank have called for a cautious policy due to fiscal doubts, elevated inflation, and the U.S. Federal Reserve's switch to a more vigilant stance on the start of an easing cycle. [ba8eb88f]