Mexico’s economy shrinks, so does the age of its criminals

MXPE Weekly Essentials ft. the fall in worker wages as GDP, teen narcos, and other highlights in Mexican politics, policy, and markets from the past week.

MXPE Weekly Essentials. Only the most important news in Mexican politics, policy, and markets from the past week.

Last week’s highlights:

• Economy finally stalls—After months of beating predictions, Mexico’s economy shrank by 0.3% in the third quarter of 2025. Precipitous falls in both industry—due to falling exports to the US—and agriculture—where falling produce prices have made farming unprofitable—are to blame.
  Inflation is within Bank of Mexico targets, and the central bank also foresees further falls in interest rates. It is all meant to stimulate investment, but it’s just not coming in the amounts needed to spur growth.

• Teen narcos—Teenagers are perfect recruits for organised crime—especially if they come from the ranks of the millions who don’t study or can’t find work. Even better for criminal organisations; children are prosecuted more leniently than adults.