Economy May 5, 2026 04:35 AM

Bank of America Sees Banxico Cutting Policy Rate to 6.50% on May 7

BofA forecasts a 25 basis-point reduction with a likely 4-1 split and a terminal rate held through 2026 amid elevated inflation

By Leila Farooq
Bank of America Sees Banxico Cutting Policy Rate to 6.50% on May 7

Bank of America expects Mexico's central bank to lower its policy rate by 25 basis points to 6.50% at the May 7 meeting, anticipating a 4-1 vote split. The bank says Banxico will keep guidance closely tied to incoming data while inflation remains above target, and projects the terminal rate will stay at 6.50% for the remainder of 2026. BofA also highlights downside risks to its outlook from a weaker Mexican economy.

Key Points

  • Bank of America expects Banxico to cut the policy rate by 25 basis points to 6.50% on May 7.
  • The anticipated decision is likely to be approved in a 4-1 vote split, indicating at least one dissenting policymaker.
  • BofA expects Banxico to maintain highly data-dependent forward guidance and projects the terminal rate will remain at 6.50% for the remainder of 2026.

Overview

Bank of America expects Mexico's central bank to enact a 25 basis-point cut to its policy rate, bringing it to 6.50% at the meeting scheduled for May 7. The firm anticipates the decision will likely pass with a 4-1 vote split, reflecting some dissent within the monetary policy committee.


Guidance and forward-looking stance

According to Bank of America, Banxico is expected to preserve highly data-dependent forward guidance. That approach reflects continued uncertainty in the macroeconomic picture and the persistence of inflation readings above the central bank's target. The emphasis on incoming data means future moves will be contingent on how economic indicators evolve.


Outlook on the terminal rate

The bank projects the terminal policy rate will remain at 6.50% throughout the remainder of 2026. In other words, BofA does not expect further tightening after the anticipated May reduction and instead foresees the rate holding at this level through the year.


Risks highlighted by the bank

Bank of America identifies downside risks to its rate forecast that stem from a weaker Mexican economy. Those risks imply the possibility of additional easing or a slower normalization of policy if growth softens materially. The projected 4-1 vote split also signals the presence of differing views within Banxico's decision-making body.


Timing

Banxico's monetary policy committee is scheduled to announce its decision on Wednesday, May 7. Market participants and policymakers will be watching incoming data closely given the bank's stated data-dependent guidance.


Implications

Bank of America's forecast frames a modest near-term easing in monetary policy while pointing to a steady stance thereafter through 2026. The projection and the highlighted uncertainties underscore the central bank's balancing act between inflation that remains above target and evolving domestic economic conditions.

Risks

  • Downside risk to the rate outlook coming from a weaker Mexican economy - could prompt additional easing or alter the timing of future moves.
  • Elevated inflation above the central bank's target creates uncertainty and keeps guidance sensitive to incoming data.
  • Potential policy disagreement within Banxico, signaled by an expected 4-1 vote split, which could affect clarity of future guidance.

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