BUENOS AIRES, June 8 Reuters An expected fall in Mexico39;s peso will likely be cushioned by its favorable interest rate spread, although there is a wide range of views on the currency39;s prospects over the coming year, a Reuters poll of foreign exchange strategists showed.

This week the peso extended a winning run that started in the fourth quarter, reaching its highest levels in more than seven years after the central bank signalled it would have to stay on hold for longer to bring down inflation.

The median estimate of 19 FX specialists polled June 16 for the peso39;s value in 12 months was 18.60 per U.S. dollar, implying a 6.5 loss from 17.39 on Tuesday, but still a strong forecast and 3.5 firmer than last month39;s oneyear call.

It was also the best projection for the 12month period in the survey39;s recent history, reflecting positive sentiment towards the big margin between Mexico39;s benchmark rate, currently at 11.25, and the U.S fed funds rate range of 5.005.25.

However, there are increasingly divergent views on the outlook for the currency, as the gap between the highest and lowest forecasts widened further, to 20.8516.58 pesos this month from 20.7317.10 in May.

Optimists keep raising their bets on Mexico39;s elevated rates, while skeptics fear possible setbacks from strategies overlooking the country39;s high dependence on unimpressive U.S. growth.

LatAm FX has been generally trading as in normal times, exhibiting a low volatility. However, a riskoff…