MEXICO CITY — The unity that helped Mexico’s ruling conservatives end seven decades of one-party rule is cracking under the weight of infighting, scandal and defections that threaten their hopes of retaining the presidency in July.

MEXICO CITY (Dow Jones)--Mexican stocks opened modestly higher Thursday as stronger-than-expected economic data in the U.S., Mexico's main trade partner, lifted sentiment among investors.

The name of Mexico as a world reference in the automobile manufacturing is making Swedish Volvo consider opening a new plant in North America, although not yet decided whether it will be in U.S. or Mexican soil.