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Montevideo, March 19th 2024 - 02:02 UTC

 

 

Brazilian banks follow closely events in Argentina: Dollar at 12 Pesos

Friday, November 27th 2015 - 07:55 UTC
Full article 37 comments
Banks argue the Argentine central bank reserves are at rock-bottom and the tendency is to continue. Likewise inflation is estimated at 28% Banks argue the Argentine central bank reserves are at rock-bottom and the tendency is to continue. Likewise inflation is estimated at 28%
Argentina has a low debt/GDP ratio and most of the adjustments regarding the fiscal deficit don't have to be approved by Congress, point out the banks. Argentina has a low debt/GDP ratio and most of the adjustments regarding the fiscal deficit don't have to be approved by Congress, point out the banks.
As to 2016, much will depend on the Macri administration capacity to attract overseas fresh money and from the local business community. As to 2016, much will depend on the Macri administration capacity to attract overseas fresh money and from the local business community.
Rousseff and minister Levy, as well Brazilian big business feel the change of focus in Argentina will be positive Rousseff and minister Levy, as well Brazilian big business feel the change of focus in Argentina will be positive

Brazilian banks which follow closely events in Argentina and prospects of the new government under president Mauricio Macri, believe the official exchange rate of 9.67 Pesos to the dollar will inevitably have to be devalued, to 12 Pesos by the end of the year, which means a 24% depreciation.

 Banks argue the Argentine central bank reserves are at rock-bottom and the tendency is to continue. Likewise inflation is estimated at 28%, and monetary policy will have to be stricter with Badlar (Buenos Aires deposit of large amounts rate) climbing to 30% from the current 23.4%. As to the US dollar clamp, it will be lifted gradually but not necessarily in the short term.

The Sao Paulo banks indicate that the devaluation of the Peso is mainly inflationary; Argentina has a low ratio of debt to GDP and most of the adjustments regarding the fiscal deficit don't have to be approved by Congress.

Anyhow the big questions that remain are the speed with which devaluation is implemented, the elimination of capital controls and reaching an agreement with the litigating holdout investment funds.

As to 2016, much will depend on the Macri administration capacity to attract overseas fresh money and from the local business community. In this scenario the dollar should reach 15.80 Pesos by the end of next year.

With the litigating holdouts, the Macri administration is expected to request a ruling 'stay', giving time to negotiate with the funds and with Congress.

Finally Brazilian banks estimate that the negative impact of the currency devaluation on salaries and a tighter budget will be compensated with a greater business and consumer confidence in the short term. Nevertheless GDP in 2016 is estimated to contract 0.5%, a good launching pad for the following years.

Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff has invited Macri to Brasilia “at the quickest time possible”, and anticipated an improvement of the strategic bilateral relation. Anyhow they agreed to meet in Paraguay on 21 December when the Mercosur presidential summit. Sao Paulo media also pointed out that Economy minister Joaquim Levy and big business were positive about Macri's victory which should be beneficial for the Brazilian economy.

China together with Brazil are Argentina's main trade partners, but the Mercosur member is part4icularly important when it comes to manufactured goods, both ways.

Categories: Economy, Politics, Argentina, Brazil.

Top Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules
  • chronic

    Ruling stay?

    How many times has rottingroadkill been previously denied one?

    The treasury is barred by statute from settlement with the hedge funds.

    Time for rottingroadkill to comply with the LV,NV discovery orders.

    Nov 27th, 2015 - 10:52 am 0
  • ChrisR

    With 24% devaluation (or more) and a real inflation of 30% (or more) TMBOA has really screwed the country over for her goodbye swansong.

    The stinking poor are soon going to be joined by thousands more.

    Nov 27th, 2015 - 12:16 pm 0
  • Marti Llazo

    Only a 24 percent devaluation of the ARS? Must be just a first step. The necessary leveling is closer to 30 percent for the near term, and more if the inflation is not turned around quickly.

    There is already talk by Macri's people of introducing a 500 peso bill since the currently largest available denomination is 100 pesos and on the open market that is only worth about US$6.70 and yes, you will soon need those wheelbarrows again. In some of the cambios in Chile they are now flatly refusing to accept Argentina pesos at all, something I haven't seen since December 2001.

    Nov 27th, 2015 - 02:21 pm 0
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