Dollar today, August 12: This is how the exchange rate in Mexico looks like.

On the morning of Tuesday, August 12, the foreign exchange market is waking up with its eyes focused on the performance of the Mexican peso against the US dollar. After a difficult start to the week, the Mexican currency continues to be pressured by external factors and economic expectations that are strengthening the U.S. currency.

Yesterday, Monday, August 11, the peso closed at 18.68 pesos per dollar, eight cents more than the previous Friday. This made it the second most depreciated currency of the day (0.50%), behind only the Swedish krona (0.60%), according to data from the Bank of Mexico (Banxico).

According to Banxico's most recent update, the reference exchange rate for this Tuesday is 18.69 pesos per dollar, just 0.01 cents lower than the previous close. Although the change is minimal, the overall outlook reflects volatility and a weaker trend for the peso.

If you're planning to exchange dollars, here's how the country's main financial institutions are open:

• Affirm: Buy $17.80 – Sell $19.30
• Banco Azteca: Buy $17.55 – Sell $19.19
• Banorte: Buy $17.40 – Sell $18.95
• BBVA: Buy $17.80 – Sell $18.95
• Citibanamex: Buy $18.08 – Sell $19.05

According to Gabriela Siller Pagaza, director of Economic Analysis at Grupo Financiero BASE, the peso's depreciation is linked to the global strengthening of the dollar, which rose 0.28% on Monday in its weighted index. The main reason is the expectation that consumer inflation in the U.S. will show a new rebound in July.

This phenomenon is worrying markets because it could lead the Federal Reserve (Fed) to maintain or even tighten its monetary policy. In April, US inflation hit a low of 2.31%, but since then, merchandise inflation has risen for eight consecutive months, moving away from the 2% target.

Analysts expect continued volatility, especially if U.S. inflation data exceeds expectations. A further rebound could strengthen demand for dollars and further pressure the Mexican peso.

Meanwhile, exporters, importers, and investors will be closely monitoring every movement in the exchange rate to adjust their strategies.