Argentina further tightens “dollar clamp”, bans all greenback’ purchases for savings
The Argentine Central Bank announced on Thursday it will officially ban the purchase of dollars for savings, the latest in a series of measures to discourage the buying of greenbacks.
The details of the decision which will be released in a communiqué from the monetary authority is a step further in the so called “dollar clamp” which the administration of President Cristina Fernandez has been implementing since last year to compensate for the scarcity of dollars and her pledge to repay all bonds maturing this year in “US dollars”.
Central bank sources however pointed out that the measure is not extensive to long term deposits or current accounts in foreign currency. The latest move banning the purchase of dollars for savings is an “indefinite suspension”.
The Argentine tax revenue office or AFIP will continue with the current system of allowing dollar purchases by importers and for other purposes following on specific requests. In reality since last June 14, it was impossible to legally purchase US dollars for savings since no authorizations were granted.
Under the current AFIP implemented system dollar purchase requests are viable for tourism, real estate transactions, foreign trade, and acquisition of vehicles, aircraft, vessels or scientific equipment.
The latest decision adds to Wednesday’s announcement by President Cristina Fernandez indicating that Argentine banks must offer to lend companies 15 billion pesos (3.3 billion dollars) by the end of the year at rates well below private inflation estimates, a central bank statement said on Thursday.
The central bank said banks will have to put 5% of their total private deposits, calculated as of June, into the new credit lines. The loans should finance capital goods purchases and new construction or expansion projects aimed at increasing the production of goods and services, the central bank said.
The loans must be disbursed by Dec. 31, although additional credit could be granted for more complex projects through to June 30, 2013, the central bank said.
“This measure ... is part of government policies oriented toward safeguarding production and Argentine jobs in light of the current international context, which has shown an increase in global risk and uncertainty,” the statement said.
The loans should carry a maximum interest rate of the Badlar reference rate, which Cristina Fernandez said averaged 11.9%t per year for private banks in June, plus 400 basis points. The minimum loan period is three years.
Inflation is running at about 25% per year, according to private estimates that more than double the government's discredited consumer price statistics.
The MerVal index of leading stocks closed down 1.87% on Thursday, dragged lower by banking shares.
Shares in Banco Macro ended 7.31% lower at 8.24 pesos per share, while leading financial group Grupo Financiero Galicia, which owns Banco Galicia , shed 5.46% to end at 2.94 pesos per share.
Lending levels in Argentina are among the lowest in Latin America. Many smaller companies do not qualify for state-subsidized bank loans because of tough requirements, and both deposits and loans tend to be short-term due to inflation and the country's volatile history.
Cristina Fernandez's allies in Congress reformed the central bank's charter in March to allow the monetary authority to regulate and steer credit flows to target long-term productive investment.
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What would happen if SA stops buying dollars entirely...?
Come on, Bosch, give us a hand here, we have an empire to deflower :)
Chuckle Chuckle
What empire Guzz? The British empire? If you are referring to this empire:
1707-1997, then the deflowering has been done already.
All this is NUTS.
This is the sort of hair-brained ridiculous idea that gets touted around at the bar after a few drinks. Not he sort of thing sober minds should be contemplating.
They say don't cry for me Argentina, but lots of people soon will. Sorry Argies.
I'm not an economist. Does anyone know what will happen to the banks if they pay out loans at this forced lower rate? How will it effect their solvency?
I'm sure if the banks have foreign investors, they will not be pleased that they are being ordered around by the government. What if they pull out as they do not feel the institutions are a safe place to invest their money?
toooo funny.........
Weel, Ahab, you can always keep your cash in your matress...
I can't say what will happen in your scenario, but I can say that the opposite has been tested in Europe (bailing out banks) and to no vail.
Thing is, the society is built upon you saving your cash until you get old. This way, the governments can spend your cash and hope for you not getting that old after all. Genious :)
To be serious though, the collapse of Northern Rock in the UK was not due to insolvency but the threat of insolvency that created a panic. That panic caused some customers to withdraw their fund, when that news got around more people withdrew their money and on and on until the bank went bust.
These are banks with peoples money, if they are weakened by the government policies it will effect the people, not the government with their offshore dollar accounts.
Unable to buy dollars, banks being dictated by the government to basically 'make a loss'. And now they're printing sub-standard peso notes that actually look like someone knocked them up in their garage.
International investors are already nervous about putting their money into Argentina, and these increasing erratic moves by the Argentine government will do nothing to ease their worried minds.
Dictating the people to pay for the banks loss, as you do in Europe, is bloody far worse than the other way around :)
Having a Marcos day are we.
The banks have to repay every penny of tax payers money back. CFK is proposing using the banks money (i.e. the depositors money), to give loans to people at extremely low (or non-existent) interest rates.
The banks will not, therefore, recover the depositors money, and once again the poor Argentine citizen, who was saving a few dollars for a rainy day, or indeed for their pension, has been robbed by this corrupt government.
Trying to compare this to the UK government bailing out the banks is ridiculous as they are completely different circumstances.
Guzz, I suspect that you are a La Campora troll, paid to keep telling people tha that everything in fine when it obviously isn't.
Either that, or you are monumentally stupid when it comes to financial matters.
Or maybe it's just both.
”Cristina Fernandez indicates the number of cream buns Maximo had for his breakfast'
Your privatization is effective enough, bloody so effective it kills the entire environment not even noticing it. Not to mention what it does to our societies (yours included).
If you ask me, screw your whole economic system, it's designed to make the rich richer and keep the poor in poverty, and unless you force us (again, again) we will not attend the play this time...
By Jen Alic | Thu, 05 July 2012 22:44 | 0
While tensions between Britain and Argentina have been rising as a natural response to the 30th anniversary of the Falkland War, oil is the primary driver of a renewed Falkland dispute that will determine the fate of tens of billions of dollars in black gold.
At the same time, while Argentine President Cristina Kirchner and British Prime Minister David Cameron are trading serious barbs over the sovereignty issue, big oil companies are largely ignoring the implications and conducting business as usual.
The Falkand Islands (Islas Malvinas) were reclaimed by the British in June 1982 after a 74-day war in response to an Argentine invasion. Argentina lost 649 troops in the war, while the UK lost 255 troops. The 30th anniversary of this war coincides with some major oil developments, which the UK is hoping to resolve by supporting the Falkland government’s holding of a referendum on its political status in 2013.
Argentina is on the losing end of this battle. Not only will the referendum favor the status quo, but Kirchner’s recent move to nationalize Argentina’s interests in Spain’s Repsol oil company has lost her any support she might have enjoyed (particularly from Spain, France and Italy) over the Falklands issue.
This is exactly what big oil is banking on, and recent months have seen some significant developments that seem to ignore the brewing tensions entirely. Two major discoveries are set to turn the Falklands into a key oil player almost overnight. The first, and less significant, is the 1.3 billion barrel discovery by Rockhopper’s Sea Lion (RKH) in the north Falklands Basin. The second is the 4.7 billion barrel prospect of Loligo, for which FOGL plans to start drilling its first well this month.
The Loligo prospect was boosted by news that came in the first week of June that Edison Spa, an Italian utility bought by France’s EDF in June, will acquire a 25
Friend, I agree on your (possible) discoveries. That said, the same possibilities lays in the whole Southern Atlantic coast... Argetina alone have plenty of basins, same size and bigger, with oil. Even Uruguay looks like they are getting a share of their own basins...
The discoveries are not in any way concentrated to the Falkland basins...
Very true Guzz, but you need US$ to be able to develop these finds and that is something Argentina just doesn’t have. You know it, I know it and the world knows it. So, until they have the cash or turn into an investible country, all that oil is just going to stay where it is...
This comes to show that the US dollar isn´t the problem, as conventional populist regimes would like us to believe every time. Perhaps one day Argentina will be able to stop their citizens thirst for dollars, but people will always seek a credible currency or method of storing value in which to believe.
The oil angle to the Falklands dispute gained momentum in 2010 when the UK authorized prospecting, provoking the ire of Argentina. The next major uptick in the ongoing crisis came in December last year, when Rockhopper revealed that its Sea Lion field held more oil than expected. This in turn led to an immediate increase in interest in the Falklands’ offshore oil prospects. The UK moved quickly to ensure the security of these discoveries by sending in naval units, prompting a harsh response from Argentina and escalating the crisis.
But the UK holds most of the cards. Not only will “Falklanders” vote to remain a self-governed overseas territory of the United Kingdom in a referendum, but Spain, Italy and France in particular have no sympathy for Argentina in the aftermath of its decision to nationalize its Repsol interests. Oil exploration is proceeding as if the dispute is resolved.
So with the oil momentum already picking up an irreversible pace, how will the sovereignty dispute be resolved? As far as the UK is concerned, it will not negotiate the issue before the United Nations unless it is asked to do so by the Falklands legislature, which is happy to hold a referendum. The results of the referendum will provide the UK with any ammunition it needs.
Argentina’s only real recourse here is military. We can expect a great deal of bluster on the issue and some high-minded rhetoric recalling British colonialis
And who does not like, you can grab your bags and run to the country that you like. For example, to the “economically super successful” England.
Original text:
Cristina te acompaño!. Esto sólo no le gusta a los cipayos imperialistas que siempre le hacen el caldo gordo a las corporaciones extranjeras. Cristina: el pueblo te acompaña, la patria chica te acompaña, la patria grande también te acompaña.
Y al que no le guste, que agarre su equipaje y se vaya al país que más le guste, por ejemplo a la “económicamente suuuper exitosa” inglaterra.
You don't really believe the [possible] oil is there waiting for someone to explore it, do you? The agreements are already made, Brazil has the technology and China the cash. Many scruple-free US and Euro companies are also in the game, they don't really care whom they represent, they're in for the profit...
tick tock tick tock
when it all comes apart it will be spectacular and much much worse than 2001.
How are you going to get back to Uruguay without Pluna?
Good thing it is all a lie, what does it take you a year or two to save for the plane ticket to Copenhagen?
The UK might have been willing to decolonize the Falklands, and certainly, it has seriously entertained the notion in the past. But now that the Falkands are set to become a major oil player, the situation is very different. No one wants Argentina to step in and claim the islands with the fear of nationalization fresh on the heels of the Repsol debacle. The bottom line is that Argentina lost the Falklands over Repsol.
By. Jen Alic of Oilprice.com
Jen Alic is a geopolitical analyst, co-founder of ISA Intel in Sarajevo and Tel Aviv, and the former editor-in-chief of ISN Security Watch in Zurich.
original text:
Tranquilo yankiboy. Si quebramos, mi pueblo lo hará con la frente en alto y con la conciencia limpia. No como los vuestros que, a lo largo de la historia, sobrevivieron saqueando impunemente a los paises más débiles.
You fail to realize that all your wealth originates from the “3rd worlds” resources, fair enough it will take you a century of negative growth to become a poor country economically speaking (socially you are not poor, you are completely broke), but if the looting ceases, you “wealth” will stop abruptly and the fall will start instantly.
Just pray the market decides to go back to the US :)
Our wealth originates from INNOVATION silly boy. Yes, the USA was blessed with abundant natural resources, we have an educated and productive work force, stable laws and respect for private property. All protected by the might of our great military.
Why are we talking about how great the USA is on an SA board?
El CuraF, heads held high... how's that when in 2001 HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF RGS fled to MIAMI AND HOUSTON to work as waiters and bartenders? That's why ARG lost the visa waiver and will never get it back.
I remember going to he US Embassy in BA and watching the uppity Rgs start crying after they were denied entry into the USA. AND THEN THEY BEGGED for their $100 application fee back. hahahaha loved it!
The mere fact that you believe that USA respects anyones private property makes this discussion obsolete and totally in vain...
Good article apart from the above as we have had a Naval presence in the South Atlantic since the War, one patrol vessel Now a Tyne class patrol boat which took over from the Castle class PV's stationed all year round changing crews 6 monthly and a nominated Frigate/Destroyer which relieve each other 6 monthly, are programmed a year ahead do a work up before they are allowed to deploy. And of course the polar Circle (ex Endurance). So the rg's claim to us upping the military is as always a load of crap, unless they are upset because we sent the most modern destroyer in the world, but every ship has to take there turn at some point, same as Gulf patrol. This is fact, how do I know..........guess?
You are calling for the nationalization of banks in Argentina.
There is no problem about nationalizing a bank, IF YOU PAY FOR IT, if you don't you are STEALING the depositors' money. Some of them may be “rich fat cats”, but the great majority will be working class people who have been saving their few pesos every month in the hopes of...
What Kretina is wanting them to do is lend money at below real interest rates.
Result, BANKRUPTCY!!!!
All those poor working class people who helped their country by saving their hard earned cash are suddenly wiped out by the bankrupting of the banks and you stupid pseudo left wingers will jump up and down and blame the BANKSTERS for robbing the poor.
Guzz sos un tarado!!!
Just kick the bankster imposter back to where he came from. Give him a thank you-note for services well accomplished, and point him the way (with a smile, of course).
Funny thing, it's always the big mean poor masses that always keep trying to rob the [poor] innocent rich minority...
Anybody have a look at the books of Banco De La Nacion, Anses or BCRA anytime in the last few years? Or have they been cooked so much they're charred?
brr
Look at Iceland, and try again :)
Yup, you ARE monumentally stupid when it comes to finance.
Nationalise the banks and Argentina will make what few foreign investors it has left run for the hills.
In the meantime, the state controlled banks will lend money to people who can't afford to pay it back, and even if they do there will be no interest paid, so the bank will actually lose money. Not the banks money, the depositors money, Guzz.
The hard working people, who pay their taxes, and try to put a few dollars aside for their old age, a rainy day, or maybe to buy something new for the home. But they won't be able to do that will they? Because CFK and her corrupt government will have screwed them over yet again.
Guzz, read this quote and reflect on the truth in it:
“The main problem with socialism is that you will eventually run out of OTHER peoples money.” Margaret Thatcher.
Never a truer word said. Not content to rob the rich people, and foreigners, CFK is determined to squeeze every last peso out of the middle and working classes too.
Goodbye Argentina's economy, the end is nigh.
Gosh do you even read what you write or are you really that dumb?
well well well, the clock is ticking faster and faster :)
This is a warning Kretina!!!!!!
You dont see the glaring hypocrisy in the politic rhetoric you've been spoonfed all your life and repeat on these forums.
You complain about the few taking from the many - a typical socialist view and a fair point as its something that happens in all societies - however the only difference are the names of the players. In peronist Argentina the few are still taking from the many and they always will. Open your eyes!
If you havent noticed CFK is obscenely rich. The CFK clan business activity and wealth has skyrocketed over the last decade since they have been in power. In fact Argentinas politicians are richer than british politicians because your politicians are allowed to run businesses such as luxury hotels that charge in dollars and money printing companies and effectively call their own voter base stupid for not saving in dollars. Not only are they activities that conflict with their position as politicians and a show of utter contempt for the system and the voters that put them in their positions but -how capitalistic is that-?!
Seriously grow up. You have no mind of your own.
Pillock.
You need to study some economics and simple math.
Rgs seem to have a lot of problems with those two concepts.
New World Order...bahahaha I.m sure when cockroaches take over a cookie jar they say the same thing...until raid sets it right.
You folks are used material, with less credibility than a Greek finance minister :)
Studying history, one realizes that of everything you guys say, the opposite is true. So I embrace your predictions and welcome them gladly :)
WTF has Tobers to cry about? The New World Order? Scientology perhaps?
The only new world order there is in Argentina is that Kretina will:
1) Rob every thing you can from the people and deposit the funds in Switzerland or Venezuela.
2) If there is anything left over hand it out to the masses, after the “yes men” have taken their cut.
3) If the people realize what is going on, shout and scream about “Malvinas”.
4) If that doesn't work too well, steal YPF from the Gallegos.
5) If that doesn't work out too well, take Tango 01 to Caracas with Máximo and maybe Florrie.
This is Kretina's true socialism!!!!!
This make absolutely no sense at all..maybe the long day in Denmark is getting to you....elaborate a little will you? I'm bored waiting for my friend to get off work so I can go to the beach...
btw how will you get home w/o Pluna?
You haven't rebuffed my points about your rich contemptuous 'politicians' etc so Ill take it that you can't.
Another way of looking at the distribution of wealth matter is perhaps Argentines are becoming or have the potential to become more aware of Peronism's deceitfulness and therefore the 'government' has to give more to the people to keep them sedated hence the highly subsidised utilities and employment and social welfare etc and the recent intense pursuit of the Las Malvinas issue to distract them. However now its all coming to a head. CFK and peronism is fighting to keep on side with the masses - trade strikes, energy and cash shortages, inflation, unemployment etc. She and peronism (at least for the time being) could easily be gone by the end of the year. So I wouldnt suggest all is better than before if I were you.
Since Peron, every generation is poorer, dumber and gets farther and farther away from the civilized/industrialized countries. Every 10-15 yrs you try to catch up in technology but never quite get there and fall further behind.
You'll be more like Bolivia than USA in the next 10 yrs.
BTW if this cold snap lasts for 3+ weeks they may devalue the peso quicker than I am expecting.
One Apagon away from total chaos.
brr
Fair enough you refer to me as Argentinian, I am Latin American after all...
Argentina has NEVER stood stronger than today (mayhap tomorrow), and regarding your chilly winter, 24 people dead in USA because of a heat wave... what's happening, A/C malfunctioning?
digitaljournal.com/article/309435
Aren't you the clever one :) :) :)
Brr my feet are cold I think I will go walk outside and warm up a bit.
You remind me of Pluna...
You tried your luck everywhere, but noone wants you :)
(uso el google traslator, pero hay cosas que me parece que no interpreta)
:O)
What are the laws regarding ownership of Gold and Silver?
Gold and silver in bars
something still not touched
but our plastic Queen
has decided both demilitarisation
and to reduce Argentina to smithereens
so probably precious metals
will soon come under her rules
to progressive cubanisation
and she will come for wedding rings
soon, and dentures
and gold teeth!
Metals, dollars and the like
you can keep all you have
if at home:
don't keep these in Banks,
they 'did them' once.
Bonds and fixed terms are still paid
within the terms they were sold...
but for how long?
In less than four years
will she be back where she was born?
No, not up her mother's
but in her Patagonia's home.
The question is who will come instead
will it come for our homes, water and bread?
Bye 4 now!
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