President Sheinbaum claims 11 million Mexicans escaped poverty by 2022, amid positive market indicators and growing investor confidence in Mexico.
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said that 11 million Mexicans escaped poverty during the López Obrador administration, based on a recent re-evaluation by the Bank of Mexico. Sheinbaum opened her morning press conference by highlighting three market indicators that point to growing investor confidence and steady investment in the country. “For all the pessimists, let’s give them optimism,” she said, quoting a Bloomberg report that noted the dollar was trading at 19.14 pesos despite critics citing judicial reforms and political uncertainty. She added that a firmer peso reflects faith in the economy.
Sheinbaum pointed to the 10-year interest rate as a key measure of economic expectations. “The lower it is, the lower the perceived risk, and the rate is declining,” she said, noting that Mexican 10-year bond yields stood at 91.045 basis points. She said this drop shows investors view Mexico as a safer bet. She also cited a decline in the cost of insuring sovereign debt, saying it tracks international confidence in the country’s ability to honor its obligations.
She then referenced a Wall Street Journal business article stating that Mexico stands to benefit from nearshoring as more U.S. companies aim to produce goods closer to home. “That shift is sending new interest to Mexico’s trade sector and driving attention to the rising peso,” she said. She added that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce recently urged leaders to reimagine the relationship with Mexico and deepen business ties. “This trend shows how both public and private investment keep flowing despite global economic headwinds,” Sheinbaum said.
Turning back to social progress, Sheinbaum said a World Bank update confirms that 11 million Mexicans escaped poverty by 2022 under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. She noted that the World Bank had previously reported a reduction of 9.5 million people below the poverty line, but its revised methodology now counts two more million lifted out of poverty. “That’s something to lift your spirits,” she said, adding a touch of humor: “Cheer up, as Pancho Villa would say.”
Analysts say the new figures will bolster Sheinbaum’s economic agenda, which emphasizes both growth and social inclusion. They point out that lower interest rates help attract foreign funds while poverty reduction supports domestic consumption. But some experts caution that data revisions can mask ongoing challenges, such as income inequality and rural poverty pockets that persist even as national numbers improve.
Sheinbaum’s optimistic briefing reflects her strategy to present a united front on economic recovery and social welfare. By linking market performance with poverty reduction, she aims to show that Mexico can build a more resilient economy without sacrificing progress on living standards. Her blend of financial data and social metrics follows a trend among global leaders to sell the story of inclusive growth to domestic and international audiences alike.
Critics have questioned whether the new poverty estimates capture the full impact of inflation and currency swings on household incomes. They argue that official measures often lag behind real-time costs and fail to reflect regional disparities. Still, Sheinbaum cited both the Bank of Mexico and the World Bank to underscore that reputable institutions back the numbers.
As market watchers track the peso’s performance and bond yields, policymakers will assess whether nearshoring momentum carries through this year. With Congress debating judicial reforms and tax incentives for manufacturers, the government hopes to keep foreign capital flowing and maintain the lower risk premiums foreign investors demand.
Sheinbaum closed her presentation by pointing to the three indicators—exchange rate, bond yield, and debt insurance costs—and tying them to the broader message that Mexico’s economy stands on solid ground. “Markets keep sending us a positive signal. Investments are holding up, and social progress continues,” she said. Whether that optimistic view endures will depend on global trends, domestic reforms, and how quickly the benefits reach communities still struggling at the margins.
