High Pulse Rate: Above Average in Q3 2025
Here’s a summary of the key economic trends in the Medellín Metropolitan Area as of September 2025, based on the provided text:
Overall Economic Rebound:
* The economy is experiencing a rebound, primarily driven by domestic consumption.
* Retail sales are up significantly (15.3%, the largest increase in three years) due to better credit, lower interest rates, and increased consumer confidence.
* Motorcycle sales hit a record high, increasing by 30.1% to over 41,000 units.
* The Antioquia industry grew by 2.7%, exceeding the national average.
* The agricultural sector is performing well, with increases in supplies (8.4%) and exports (12.7%), especially bananas, plantains, and avocados. Milk collection also reached a record.
* New home sales are recovering, increasing by 40.7% after a two-year decline, aided by improved mortgage access.
Labor Market:
* The labor market is strong, with an unemployment rate of 7.7% (one of the lowest in the country and below the national average).
* Informality is decreasing, falling to 37.1%.
* Employment grew by 3%, creating over 63,000 new jobs in industrial, commercial, and professional services.
Financial Sector:
* the financial system is recovering, with a 1.6% annual growth in the gross loan portfolio.
* Remittances reached a new record of US$515 million, boosting household consumption.
Recent Shift in Sentiment:
* While consumer confidence was high in the first half of the year, the Fedesarrollo Consumer Opinion Survey shows a drop in confidence in September 2025 (-10.3%),indicating an adjustment in expectations.