Mexico consumer confidence hits three-month low

Mexican consumer confidence slipped to a three-month low in December as shoppers in Latin Ame rica's second-biggest economy reined in spending over the holiday period, data showed on Friday. Mexico's consumer confidence index fell to 90.9 points, adjusted for seasonal factors, the national statistics agency said. It was the lowest level since September and a fall from November's reading of 91.5.
The raw confidence number in December climbed to 90.8 from 89.5 reported a month earlier. Central Bank governor Agustin Carstens said on Thursday he expected inflation to be "relatively" contained this year and forecast economic growth of some 3.5 percent. Interest rates have been on hold at 4.5 percent for 2-1/2 years as the central bank weighs a weak currency, which may fan inflation, against a worsening global economy.