Mexican president lauds lower interest rate as 'good for the country'

MEXICO CITY, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday celebrated the central bank's decision a day earlier to lower borrowing costs with a 50 basis-point cut to its benchmark interest rate, while adding she respects the monetary authority's autonomy.

Sheinbaum made the comments at her daily press conference after she was asked about the newest member of the bank's governing board, Jose Gabriel Cuadra, her first nominee confirmed to the five-person board.

"He voted by the way to reduce the rate... which is good for the country," said Sheinbaum.