The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: March 31, 2025
Today: March 31, 2025

Argentina traders bet on another big rate cut as inflation eases

FILE PHOTO: Argentines react to the results of Presidential Primary Elections
May 29, 2024
Jorge Otaola - Reuters

By Jorge Otaola

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -Argentine market traders are betting the central bank will cut its benchmark interest rate again this week given the slowdown in monthly inflation and a planned Treasury debt auction, two money market sources and a brokerage told Reuters on Tuesday.

The two Buenos Aires-based traders at major banks said the central bank would likely cut the overnight rate by five to 10 percentage points, which would follow three similar cuts since April when it dropped to 50% at the start of this month.

Argentina's authorities are expected to unveil inflation figures later on Tuesday, which are expected to show monthly price rises dipping back into single digits for the first time in six months, despite the annual rate remaining near 300%.

"Everything is set for the (interest) rate to continue falling this week in view of Thursday's bill tender," said one trader, who asked not to be named as they were not approved to speak publicly on the matter.

The second trader source said, "everything indicates that the rate cut is about to drop."

The central bank directors normally convene each week on Thursday, which this week will coincide with a Treasury bill auction. Lower benchmark rates could make those bills more attractive for investors.

The central bank did not respond to a request for comment.

"Peso debt is rising in the expectation of another rate cut," the local Cohen brokerage said in response to question from Reuters.

Argentina's government, under libertarian President Javier Milei, has made a major swerve in monetary policy since taking office in December, repeatedly cutting the benchmark interest rate as it has grown more bullish about inflation.

Monthly inflation has been declining since a peak over 25% in December after Milei devalued the peso currency sharply in a bid to undo serious distortions caused by years of capital controls that have strictly limited access to dollars.

(Reporting by Jorge Otaola; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Josie Kao)

Related Articles

UK government plugs hole in finances as 2025 growth forecast is halved to 1% Euro drops to three-week low before auto tariff announcement Brazil faces inflation risks as surging corn prices eclipse rice plunge Consumer confidence plummets to lowest level since January 2021
Share This

Popular

Americas|Europe|Political|World

Greenland strengthens Danish ties as it eyes independence

Greenland strengthens Danish ties as it eyes independence
Americas|World

Venezuela will have its first female saint after approval from Pope Francis

Venezuela will have its first female saint after approval from Pope Francis
Americas|Crime|Political|US

Trump administration says it deported 17 more โ€˜violent criminalsโ€™ to El Salvador

Trump administration says it deported 17 more โ€˜violent criminalsโ€™ to El Salvador
Americas|Political|US

Judge blocks Trump administration from stripping deportation protections for Venezuelans

Judge blocks Trump administration from stripping deportation protections for Venezuelans

Americas

Americas|Business|Finance|US

UBS names new head of global investment management, memo says

UBS names new head of global investment management, memo says
Americas|Business|Economy|Europe|Political

Brazil's finance minister says EU should see Mercosur deal as political, not just economic

Brazil's finance minister says EU should see Mercosur deal as political, not just economic
Americas|Election|Political

Leftist Gonzalez slightly ahead in Ecuador presidential race, polls say

Leftist Gonzalez slightly ahead in Ecuador presidential race, polls say
Americas|Business|Economy|World

Argentina's January-February mining exports hit 10-year record

Argentina's January-February mining exports hit 10-year record

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In