Latin America: Markets, Fatal Strike, Investigations

Rainy weather dented Mexican consumer stocks even as the broader market hit six‑month highs, with bottlers hardest hit: Arca Continental reported domestic volumes down more than 2% after a prior 5% drop, and Coca‑Cola FEMSA posted a 10% year‑over‑year decline in Mexican volumes in Q2 (Bloomberg). El Vocero reported a U.S. strike on a vessel alleged to be carrying drugs left six dead. In the Gabriela Nicole case, a forensic pathologist concluded she died of stab wounds and prosecutors found cause to try Elvia Cabrera Rivera; the preliminary hearing has entered its third day. El Vocero said a special election in Dorado will be held in November following the death of Carlos López. U.S. local coverage notes a school tradition is the subject of legal action, and Mexican officials have publicly disagreed with U.S. attacks on boats suspected of trafficking.