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IMF Backs Argentina’s Faster Reserve Build as Central Bank Extends Dollar-Buying Streak

An IMF mission will visit in February to assess targets and potential waivers that determine a pending $1.05 billion disbursement.

Overview

  • Argentina’s central bank bought $47 million on Thursday, its ninth straight session of net purchases, taking January’s total to about $563 million.
  • IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack praised the accelerated accumulation and said daily purchases often exceeded the 5% guideline of market volume.
  • Gross reserves fell by $71 million to roughly $44.65 billion after about $100 million in payments to the IDB and World Bank, reflecting timing and accounting effects.
  • The official exchange rate slipped to its lowest level in about a month as blue and financial dollar rates eased, while sovereign bonds firmed and risk premium edged down near the high‑560s to low‑570s.
  • The February review will consider performance against program goals and potential waivers, which are critical for unlocking the next IMF tranche of roughly $1.05 billion.