Speaking in her morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum says that Mexico "will not impose tit-for-tat tariffs" on the United States once Donald Trump unveils his 'reciprocal' tariffs later today. Sheinbaum's stance is not a surprise, with her administration also refusing to impose retaliatory tariffs after the US initially imposed levies on steel and aluminium imports. Claims that "We have a plan to strengthen the economy under any circumstances. It's Plan Mexico"
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The ISM manufacturing headline index was a little softer than expected in Feb, but still maintained only its second >50 reading since late 2022. However, details were more mixed. New orders and employment were notably softer than expected, setting the tone for market reaction as the former was particularly surprising considering signs elsewhere of tariff front-running, whilst prices paid jumped to their highest since Jun 2022.

A more limited move in Europe post US Data, while US Price Paid came way above expectation, Manufacturing, Orders and Employment components missed expectations, helping Bund jump 15 ticks, but well within traded ranges.