MEXICO CITY — President Enrique Pena Nieto‘s bid to balance Mexico’s budget for the first time since 2009 is prompting Citigroup and Bank of Nova Scotia to recommend the nation’s bonds.

Yields on Mexican peso bills due in 2024 may fall 20 basis points, or 0.2 percentage point, and approach an all-time low 5.1 percent, according to Accival, Citigroup‘s local brokerage. Borrowing costs have tumbled a record 1.2 percentage points this year to 5.48 percent, helping to hand investors a 23 percent return in dollars. That’s double the average gain for emerging- market debt, according to Bank of America.

Pena Nieto’s proposal on Dec. 7 to erase Mexico’s deficit is bolstering a rally that began last week, when he brokered an accord with the country’s largest parties to spur growth in Latin America’s second-biggest economy. The plan is adding to speculation that Pena Nieto, who took office Dec. 1, will keep promises to boost private investment in the state-controlled energy industry and increase tax revenue, which according to Scotiabank Mexico will cause yields to fall to record lows.

The budget is “a very strong sign to the markets,” Arnulfo Rodriguez, Accival’s deputy director of research, said in a telephone interview from Mexico City. “He’s showing a clear commitment to prudent management of public finances.”

Pena Nieto’s finance minister, Luis Videgaray, proposed a zero-deficit budget next year by raising revenue to offset a 2.3 percent boost in spending. Congress has a Dec. 31 deadline to decide on the 3.58 trillion peso ($281 billion) budget.

A balanced budget, excluding spending on Petroleos Mexicanos, would be the country’s first in four years, Miguel Messmacher, one of Videgaray’s deputies, said in a Dec. 7 interview. When investment in the state-owned oil monopoly is taken into account, the 2013 budget shortfall would equal 2 percent of gross domestic product, from 2.4 percent this year, Messmacher said. He didn’t respond to telephone and e-mail messages seeking further comment.
Zero-deficit budget a big step for Mexico

For Mexico, having a zero-deficit budget would be “a big step” because it’s “pretty rare” elsewhere in Latin America, according to Bret Rosen, a Latin America strategist at Standard Chartered Bank.

Colombia’s consolidated budget deficit was 2.2 percent in 2011 and is expected to be less than 1 percent of gross domestic product this year.

The U.S. budget deficit equaled 6.9 percent of the economy in the fiscal year ended in September, while the European Commission forecasts that Spain’s will be 8 percent this year.

Mexico’s lower house approved the revenue portion of the 2013 budget yesterday and sent the proposal to the Senate. The chamber voted to increase the nation’s 2013 revenue forecast by lifting the price estimate for oil exports and boosting income expected from taxes.

Lawmakers have approved deficits over the past three years, overriding a law requiring balanced budgets, as the nation sought to recover from a 2009 recession and the global financial crisis. Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings cut Mexico’s rating one level to BBB in 2009 as the economy contracted 6.2 percent and crude output from Pemex declined.

“Anything that is implying that you’re going to have a tight fiscal stance is going to be bullish for” Mexican fixed- rate bonds, Rosen said by telephone from New York.
The zero-defecit budget will not leave any wiggle room if something goes wrong

Enrique Alvarez, the head of Ideaglobal’s Latin America fixed-income research, said a balanced budget may hinder Mexico’s ability to spend more to buffer the nation from any economic weakness in the U.S., the destination for 80 percent of Mexican exports.

“It leaves you with this trap door if something goes wrong,” Alvarez said in a telephone interview from New York. A zero-deficit budget “leaves you no flexibility if you have another round of external risk that is heavy and overflows onto the Mexican economy.”

Foreign investors stand to benefit from Pena Nieto’s “prudent” policies because they will help boost the peso and dollar-based returns, according to Rodriguez, who also helps oversee recommendations on Mexican financial markets at Accival, which is part of Citigroup’s Banamex unit.

One-month historical volatility, a measure of swings in the peso during that span, fell to a 19-month low today. Fewer fluctuations reduce the risk of losses for investors seeking dollar-based returns on local-currency securities.

“The general favorable momentum that you’re seeing in Mexican rates seems to have to do with the expectations that next year there will be some of the reforms.” Alejandro Martinez, a fixed-income strategist at HSBC Holdings Plc who recommends buying bonds maturing in 2022, said in a telephone interview from Mexico City.

Enrique Pena Nieto brokered a deal with leaders of the nation’s major political parties to back legislation planned for the first half of 2013 to boost competition at Pemex and to support a bill in the second half of next year to enhance tax collection.

In announcing Pena Nieto’s budget plan, Videgaray said “fiscal responsibility” is necessary for job creation and growth in Mexico. Latin America’s second-biggest economy will grow 3.8 percent this year, twice as fast as Brazil, according to the median forecast of economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

Araceli Espinosa, a fixed-income strategist at Scotiabank Mexico, said approval of Pena Nieto’s budget proposal will prompt foreign investors to bolster their holdings, pushing down yields to 5 percent or lower by mid-2013.

“Psychologically, seeing zero will capture the attention of international investors,” she said.

— With assistance from Ian Katz in Washington, Matthew Bristow in Bogota and Eric Martin in Mexico City.

[readon1 url="http://www.voxxi.com/citigroup-pena-nieto-zero-deficit-budget/#ixzz2F1xK08cm"]Source:www.voxxi.com [/readon1]

PUERTO VALLARTA, Jalisco. The use of electronic payments is starting to gain ground against the use of cash and checks, allowing the Mexican financial system more efficient and secure, considered the Bank of Mexico (Banxico).

The manager Banxico Development Bank, Hector Desentis Montalbán, said that's important because the fact that they start to use other means of payment other than cash has the advantage of being more efficient means and safer for people .

Moreover, he added, are much faster and by failing cash transaction limits the margin of error and is safer than no theft.

"Basically this is the central bank's interest with this new use of technology, primarily to streamline the sy transaccione that means that streamlines some savings side or users as in the subject of business transactions,"

During the Ninth National Convention of L @ Red de la Gente National Savings Bank and Financial Services (Bansefi), explained that an example is that of total transactions with payment methods other than cash is the use of checks, went from 41% to 15% in 2005 to 2011.

In the same period, the bank card payments in shops (TPV) grew from 30 to 45 percent of the total electronic fund transfers grew from 26 to 36 percent of the total, so the absolute number of transactions with different media cash grew a thousand to two thousand 357 000 000 661 000 000.

Also, the number of card payments in trade (POS) is growing  faster to 23.3%, that ATM withdrawals to 4.71 percent.

In fact, he said, in the case of point of sale terminals that are gaining ground are doing within a larger trading volume, doubling from 2005 to 2011.

Moreover  he added,  the growth rate of payments POS terminals is higher than the use of automated teller machines (ATMs) even when the base is different.

"There are more transactions at ATM cash withdrawal, but people start an alternative use of your card and is one of the challenges facing the banking, aware of all that can be done with a debit card," said.

In regard to the use and promotion of means of payment, the Banxico has centralized its efforts in using SPEI (Electronic Interbank Payment System), which has the characteristics of high capacity and fast processing, and low cost for banks.

Montalbán Desentis revealed that currently 68 percent of the payments are less than 10 thousand dollars and 47 percent are for amounts less than five thousand dollars, which shows the rapid adoption and replacement of less efficient means such as checks and cash.

He stressed that the use of SPEI is a great opportunity for Bansefi through transactions to climb L @ Red de la Gente.

In that regard, he said that in Mexico if there have been many advances in 2005 and 2010, largely thanks to technological advances, but there is still much potential he concluded.

[readon1 url="http://noticierostelevisa.esmas.com/economia/522072/efectivo-rezagado-medios-pago/"]Source:noticierostelevisa.esmas.com- Translation by Suyapa Ajuria [/readon1]

If you are looking for accommodation for holidays year-end resort somewhere in the country, be careful, you could be a victim of fraud.

Starting in January, if the City or Seapal Vallarta perform a public work that benefits your street, you will pay a new tax to which he has been called "special contribution".

This contribution "special" will be 0.5% of the assessed value of the property or property that has benefited directly or indirectly from the work or service, so stated in Article 50 bis of the Revenue Act of 2013 Puerto Vallarta.

This means that if, for example, enter your street or paved drainage and sewerage, no matter that these works are done with what they already pay in taxes, and you will be charged 0.5% of the value of their house for being benefited.

"Article 50 bis - Township System through Water Services and Sewerage Puerto Vallarta, or through the Municipal Treasury levied special assessments to be established directly or indirectly to taxpayers for the execution of works or utilities when they are benefiting from the realization of the same. This contribution will not exceed 0.5% of the assessed value of the property or property that has benefited directly or indirectly from the work or service. The municipality may exempt from paying the special tax to taxpayers who prior socioeconomic study demonstrate lack resources to pay the same. "

Background

This tax was first raised, but not so large an amount, during the administration of Mayor Javier Bravo Carbajal, who attempted to charge about 70 pesos. It was approved but never charged because Seapal Vallarta refused. But now arises from January next year that payment of 0.5% of the value of the house benefit from the work.

[readon1 url="http://www.prensaglobal.com/notas/33044.html"]Source:www.prensaglobal.com - Translation by Suyapa Ajuria [/readon1]

With the capacity to serve 260 thousand former workers a month to do their process of returning the housing sub 97, opened the Retirement Service Center in Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta, administered by the Institute's delegation in Nayarit . This from that in January the reform came into force the Law of Infonavit considering among other things, the delivery in a single installment of the accumulated balance in the housing sub-97 workers who pensionaron in terms under the Social Security Act 1973.

The regional delegate of the Institute Arits Trillo said Beatriz Rodriguez who will care workers have the ability to provide a quality service. "Remember that they are people who are over 60 years old, who require highly specialized care and direct, to be able to explain what it is. And they can be to help with the media with the unfamiliar as it is a computer, Internet, as it is sometimes a 01,800 ", adding that the center will be open from 8:30 am to 2: 30 pm by appointment.

The appointment process must be performed pensioners through the website www.infonavit.org.mx or number 01 800 008 3900, if it is necessary to go to boarding care facility.

Finally the company said they have served a total of 7,000,624 pensioners of which 6000,312 have taken delivery of resources either by electronic transfer to the account established pensioner himself or through an automatic payment to the account where they receive their pension now. Being a total of 60 million 882 thousand 930 pesos resources that have been returned.

[readon1 url="http://mexico.cnn.com/?hpt=ed_Mexico"]Source:mexico.cnn.com - Translation by Suyapa Ajuria[/readon1]

In Mexico added 29.3 million people working in the informal and without social security, said the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).

Thus, six out of 10 workers or employees operating in accordance with the informality of the remeasurement of informal work in Mexico, filed Tuesday by the president of INEGI, Eduardo Sojo.

The official said that these figures "tell us that there is a Mexican labor market characterized by an important group of institutions and vulnerable workers, to not be operating in a legal framework."

The researcher Rodrigo Negrete explained that of the 29.3 million people in all forms of that employment, 14.2 million specifically integrated employment in the informal sector, 2.1 million in paid domestic services, 6.2 million belong to the field of agriculture and 6.8 million other companies , governments and institutions.

He said that like the informality rate (TIL) or informal employment rose from 59.3 to 60.1% in the first quarter of 2005 to the third quarter of 2012.

The states with the lowest proportions of informal employment were Baja California Sur (41.6%), Chihuahua (42.8) and Nuevo Leon (43), while the highest rates were observed in Oaxaca (80.8%), Guerrero (80.8) and Chiapas ( 76.5).

As for earnings, a busy person formally scored on average 38.4 pesos per hour worked, while a busy perceived informality 8.24 pesos for an hour.

[readon1 url="http://mexico.cnn.com/?hpt=ed_Mexico"]Source:mexico.cnn.com - Translation by Suyapa Ajuria[/readon1]

Mexico Foundation chaired by former Senate candidate by Movement
Citizen, the doctor, Carlos Lomeli, concrete plan to open its first Mexico pharmacy Me One Foundation, with the backing of Enrique Alfaro Ramirez, former candidate for governor of the same party, who was at the opening of this, located in the Polanco neighborhood of Guadalajara

the first of Pharmacy Low Cost, - of 30 who intend to install in Jalisco, - provides quality generic medicine and healing material at prices not exceeding ten pesos.

This initiative is part of a program that also will include social kitchens in which similarly will offer nutritious meals providing a very low recovery rate

In the opening event, Enrique Alfaro, praised the social work in these establishments because he said, "we can not avoid the need for people, for us it is an honor to accompany the work of a foundation with which we share a purpose very clearly, that our work will serve the community and have a beneficial effect in communities with the highest rate of poverty in the city and state

[readon1 url="http://www.prensaglobal.com/notas/32904.html"]Source:www.prensaglobal.com - Translation by Suyapa Ajuria[/readon1]

Since investing in a savings account, pay off a loan, give the hook to pay for a car or a vacation, are some recommendations that the Federal (CJF) promotes among Mexicans.

In this holiday season, the Office also suggests identify needs, plan, make a spending plan, compare prices and make the best buy

A useful option is to use the bonus to pay off or pay for any outstanding credit that was acquired during the year, since its settlement potential to not only save interest charges but also, be confident and begin paying off debts new year with a "clean slate" in personal finance.

Use the provision to meet the needs that are in the home, family and personal way, is another way of giving proper use, allowing purchase durable goods (furniture, appliances or clothing), health or educational services, which ensure years of satisfaction and improve the quality of life of people, stated in the Journal article.

Use a hand or, if necessary, the total of the benefit to the maintenance, improvement or renewal of household furniture, also represents a good investment for painting walls, fixing the electrical, water leaks or waterproof the roof housing, represents an investment in security, peace and tranquility of the family.

[readon1 url="http://www.prensaglobal.com/notas/32838.html"]Source:www.prensaglobal.com - Translation by Suyapa Ajuria [/readon1]

With the five cruise ships that arrived this week to Puerto Vallarta, it is estimated an economic impact of close to 16 million pesos, and was announced by the Municipal Tourism director Charles Gerard. He said that every tourist who comes to this city by sea, spends about 10 thousand dollars.

He reported that a cruise brings nearly 3000 people, staying in port about 10 hours. The 35 percent of the tourists take tours, most of whom visit the city center, so they are benefiting tour guides, taxi drivers, shops, markets, bars and restaurants.

On Tuesday came the Holland America Zaandam cruise, which spent the night until Wednesday, the same day the Disney Wonder arrived. On Thursday it was the Carnival Splendor and Friday arrived first Century Cruise, an event that was recognized by the authorities of the City of Puerto Vallarta, with the completion of a special event. For this Saturday is expected to Amsterdam from Holland American shipping

[readon1 url="http://www.prensaglobal.com/notas/32752.html"]Source:www.prensaglobal.com - Translation by Suyapa Ajuria [/readon1]

Puerto Vallarta was recently voted the best Mexican holiday by USA News & World and the northern neighbor resort destination, Riviera Nayarit, was named the newest celebrity hot spot worldwide by Harper’s Bazaar magazine. “We continue to see strong demand for Mexico travel and we’re pleased to launch new service to these historic and world-class destinations.

With unrivalled service and amenities, we hope that our new flights will allow travelers to kick off their Mexican vacations in style – from the minute they step onboard one of our aircraft,” stated David Cush, President and Chief Executive Officer of Virgin America. Puerto Vallarta was named Friendliest City by Condé Nast Magazine and an estimated 3 million travelers visit it annually.

Riviera Nayarit, located close by to the North in the state of Nayarit is currently Mexico’s most fashionable destination. The Riviera stretches along 192 miles of the Pacific coast, surrounded by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just 10 min north of Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport.

The region extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit & includes places such as Nuevo Vallarta in the Banderas Bay (Bahía de Banderas), the historic colonial town of San Blas, the very exclusive Punta Mita that offers top-notch resorts and golf and picturesque fishing villages, plus a California favorite: the surfing village of Sayulita. Virgin America strives to offer travelers a unique flying experience, the same way Puerto Vallarta offers visitors a unique and memorable vacation, unlike any other, said Salvador González Resendiz, Mayor of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.

Puerto Vallarta is the perfect location for their newest warm weather destination. We look forward to complement Virgin America’s excellent services. Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, where the states of Jalisco and Nayarit come together, Puerto Vallarta continues to be one of Mexico’s hottest destinations with a rich cultural tradition and town, a historical cobblestone center, family-friendly attractions and 1st first class hotels, resorts and facilities. We are pleased to welcome the new Virgin America flights from San Francisco, said Marc Murphy, director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau. Riviera Nayarit guests will discover & enjoy a unique holiday experience, complemented by pristine beaches, luxurious accommodations plus excellent service. [readon1 url="http://www.puntamita.com/virgin-america-san-francisco-puerto-vallarta/?lang=en"]Source:www.puntamita.com[/readon1] 

The vast majority of travelers arrive by air, so let’s start there.

Among the thousands of hotels worldwide,