According to the median estimate in a poll, Mexican consumer prices likely increased by 0.40% during the first half of December, which would mean the annual inflationary rate probably slowed.

The poll, which was conducted by 15 analysts, said that core consumer prices, excluding food and energy costs, increased by 0.29 percent in the first 15 days of this month (Dec).

Meanwhile, Mexico's headline inflation rate MXCPIF=ECI came up by 0.45 percent in the first half of December 2008.

Moreover, analysts polled by the central bank early this month expected inflation to rise to 5.04 percent in 2010, as consumers feel the impact of higher consumption taxes.

However, Mexico's next central bank chief, former finance minister Agustin Carstens, said, “Inflation is not particularly pressing and that lending rates will likely remain around their current level in the near term.”

Carstens is due to take the helm at the bank in January.