MEXICO CITY (AFX) - Stocks across Latin America ended lower Friday amid ongoing pressure in U.S. markets, although Mexico finished slightly higher following a late-day recovery.
Mexico's benchmark IPC index of the 35 most-traded companies closed up 16.85 points, or 0.1 percent, at 19,527.37.
Mexican shares have largely tracked their U.S. counterparts over a volatile week, and heavy profit-taking on Thursday continued into Friday morning's session. However, despite pressure in U.S. markets -- the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.5 percent and the Nasdaq composite index ending down 0.9 percent -- the local market had a positive finish.
Mexico's peso closed weaker against the dollar, at a midrate of 10.9515, compared with Thursday's 10.8770 close, according to Banamex.
Brazilian stocks also tracked a decline on Wall Street, as the benchmark Ibovespa stocks index sank 0.9 percent, to 35,510 points.
In addition, concerns about a possible invasion of Lebanon by Israeli ground forces roiled markets. Israel's army is massing troops along its northern border with Lebanon and has called up reserves in anticipation of a possible ground attack.
The news sent crude oil prices higher and renewed fears of inflationary pressures in the U.S. caused by increasing energy costs.
The Brazilian real closed weaker against the U.S. dollar Friday at 2.199 in spot contract trading on the Brazilian Mercantile and Futures Exchange, weaker from Thursday's close of 2.192.
Meanwhile, Argentine stocks also closed down 1.11 percent, to 1,620.45, while the broader General Index dropped 1.1 percent, to 78,592.06.
Peru's stock market also dropped as lower mineral prices again helped drag down key mining company shares.
According to preliminary results from the Lima Stock Exchange, the stock market's broad general index fell 61.94 points, or 0.72 percent, to 8,503.60.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.