Dollar to Peso Exchange Rate: Peso Weakens on Fed Minutes – Feb 19, 2026

The Mexican peso came under pressure on Thursday, February 19, 2026, as the dollar strengthened following signals from the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The currency weakened against the dollar after minutes from the Federal Reserve revealed a less dovish stance on interest rates, bolstering the global strength of the greenback. The peso’s performance reflects the sensitivity of emerging market currencies to shifts in U.S. Monetary policy.

Markets reacted swiftly, with the dollar gaining ground at the open amid expectations that U.S. Interest rates could remain elevated for longer than previously anticipated.

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Dollar Exchange Rate in Mexico: February 19th Update

At the opening of trading on Thursday, February 19th, the dollar was trading at approximately 17.22 pesos, representing a depreciation of around 0.5% for the Mexican peso compared to the previous close.

Earlier in the night, the peso had briefly strengthened to 17.08, its highest level since June 2024, but this momentum proved short-lived. As international trading progressed, the dollar regained its footing following the release of key economic data from the United States.

Federal Reserve Minutes Drive Currency Movement

The primary driver of the exchange rate movement was the minutes released by the Federal Open Market Committee, the body responsible for setting U.S. Interest rate policy.

While the Fed decided to hold rates steady at its last meeting, the minutes revealed a significant point: there is internal disagreement regarding potential future actions.

According to financial firm Monex, the document indicates a less dovish bias, suggesting a reduced inclination towards lowering rates.

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U.S. Industrial Production Data Further Supports Dollar

In addition to the Fed minutes, another data point contributed to the dollar’s strength: U.S. Industrial production.

The indicator showed that U.S. Industrial activity grew by 0.6% in January, marking its fastest pace in 11 months.

This data is significant as it suggests the U.S. Economy remains resilient despite higher interest rates.

Banorte described the report as a positive signal, but cautioned that the manufacturing sector still faces risks from the trade policies of Donald Trump, geopolitical conflicts, and moderate global demand.

Foto: Gemini. 

What Markets Are Watching Now

Following the release of the Fed minutes, investors are focusing on three key factors:

1. Upcoming inflation data in the United States.
2. Further signals from the Fed regarding potential rate cuts.
3. The trajectory of global economic growth.

If upcoming data continues to demonstrate strength in the U.S. Economy, the dollar could maintain its strength in the coming weeks. Conversely, signs of economic slowdown could bolster the peso.

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Dollar Prices at Mexican Banks on Thursday, February 19th

The price of the dollar at various banks in Mexico on Thursday, February 19, 2026, was as follows:

• Afirme: 16.40 pesos purchase | 17.80 pesos sale
• Banco Azteca: 16.00 pesos purchase | 17.74 pesos sale
• Banorte: 15.95 pesos purchase | 17.45 pesos sale
• BBVA: 16.27 pesos purchase | 17.40 pesos sale
• Banamex: 16.73 pesos purchase | 17.59 pesos sale

With information from Reuters.