Mexican Peso Hits 17.50, Up Against the Dollar Amidst Trump’s Davos Speech

Web Editor

January 21, 2026

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Background on Key Figures and Context

The Mexican peso has been on an upward trend, reaching its best level since June 2024, a span of 19 months. This surge in the Mexican currency comes as we await a speech from United States President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, has been in the spotlight for his persistent insistence on acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. This stance has led to rising tensions with several European countries, potentially prompting them to adopt a more stringent trade stance.

Scott Bessert, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, expressed confidence that the United States and European countries would find a resolution regarding Trump’s intentions for Greenland. He dismissed concerns about an escalating trade conflict.

Trump had previously threatened to impose tariffs on imports from various European countries, with the possibility of increasing these tariffs until his demands for Greenland were met. European Union leaders are scheduled to meet the following day to discuss potential trade responses.

Current Market Situation

As of this writing, the spot exchange rate for the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar stands at 17.4464, marking a significant improvement of 0.90% or 15.92 centavos compared to the previous day’s closing rate of 17.6056.

The dollar’s trading range is between a high of 17.6105 pesos and a low of 17.4462 pesos. Meanwhile, the Intercontinental Exchange’s Dollar Index (DXY) has dropped by 0.07% to 98.49 units, comparing the U.S. currency with six benchmark currencies.

Market Expectations and Analysis

Monex, a financial services firm, reported that the Mexican peso’s appreciation is attributed to decreased global risk aversion, favorable domestic data, and the weakening U.S. dollar.

“Support levels are found at 17.47, while resistance is located around 17.61 in the interbank market,” Monex stated.

In local news, the day’s session was marked by the release of November retail sales figures and December economic activity data. Retail sales increased by 1% on a monthly basis in November, with annual growth reaching 4.4%, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).

Key Questions and Answers

  • What is driving the Mexican peso’s appreciation? The strengthening of the Mexican peso is attributed to decreased global risk aversion, favorable domestic data, and the weakening U.S. dollar.
  • Who is Donald Trump, and why is his speech in Davos significant? Donald Trump is the 45th President of the United States. His upcoming speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos is significant because of his persistent insistence on acquiring Greenland, which has led to rising tensions with European countries.
  • What are the potential trade implications of Trump’s Greenland acquisition demands? European Union leaders are considering more stringent trade measures in response to Trump’s insistence on acquiring Greenland, which could potentially escalate trade tensions.
  • What is the current state of the Mexican economy? Recent data from INEGI indicates that Mexico’s retail sales increased by 1% on a monthly basis in November and grew by 4.4% annually.