Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Argentine Banks Hike Deposit Rates as Executives Warn of Liquidity Squeeze

Average 30-day fixed-term rates have climbed back into the low 30s, with caución bursátil volatile near 40%, prompting banks to warn that funding pressures will curtail lending.

Overview

  • Banking executives report that 30-day fixed-term deposit rates now average around 30.5%, with individual offers ranging from the high-20s to mid-30% across branches and digital channels.
  • Major lenders including Banco Nación, Galicia, BBVA and Macro reversed mid-July cuts by raising their nominal annual rates, some back to pre-July-3 benchmarks.
  • Caución bursátil has stabilized near 40% after surging above 70% in early July when the termination of LEFI instruments released excess liquidity.
  • The Treasury and BCRA have launched emergency auctions to absorb roughly ARS 5 trillion since July 10, aiming to contain peso volatility and manage system liquidity.
  • Banks caution that persistently high funding costs are draining liquidity reserves and could significantly reduce new loan issuance by month-end.