Mexico's Banxico Central Bank on Thursday ended a prolonged streak of monetary easing, leaving its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 7.0 percent, citing upside risks to inflation. After 12 consecutive rate cuts, the bank's policy-setting governing board announced a pause "consistent with the assessment of the current inflation outlook." It pointed in a statement to "an environment of persistent trade tension" putting pressure on inflation forecasts. By the first half of January, Mexico's year-on-year inflation accelerated to 3.77 percent -- above the target of 3.0 percent.