Buenos Aires, January 21 (NA) -- The Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) purchased another US$107 million on Wednesday, surpassing the US$45 billion mark, a level not seen since 2021. According to the Argentine News Agency, the financial institution acquired another US$107 million today, exceeding the US$45 billion threshold, something that has not happened in five years. The Central Bank surpassed US$45 billion. In this way, reserves jumped by US$203 million and ended with US$45.077 billion in net terms. Since the new monetary program was announced, the BCRA has acquired reserves in all rounds, except for Friday, January 2 (when no market movement was reported). This means that the entity chaired by Santiago Bausili has had thirteen consecutive rounds of dollar acquisition. To date, it has purchased US$823 million. According to official BCRA estimates, the purchase of reserves could climb to US$10 billion - if the monetary base increases to 4.8% of GDP - and even US$17 billion, with a 1% increase in money demand from Gross Domestic Product. 'The daily execution amount of the reserve accumulation program will be aligned with a 5% participation of the daily volume of the foreign exchange market. The BCRA can carry out block purchases that could otherwise affect the proper functioning and stability of the market,' the official communiqué stated. This consistency in currency purchase comes just days before the International Monetary Fund (IMF) arrives in Argentina to carry out the review of the economic program. Although the specific date of arrival in February was not specified, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack assured that it will be during the second month of the year. During the Davos Economic Forum, where President Javier Milei gave his speech, Minister of Economy Luis Caputo met with the head of the Fund, Kristalina Georgieva. 'It was great to have a brief exchange with Luis Caputo in Davos. This, under the guideline of buying up to 5% of the daily volume traded in the Free Exchange Market (MLC). I praised the solid performance of the Argentine economy and the progress in the accumulation of reserves,' stated the head of the IMF. She also added that 'everything is going very well' and affirmed that 'reserves are being rebuilt.' While on the Minister's side, the response was more concise: 'We will continue working to make Argentina great again.' This same support was ratified in the growth projection for Argentina, where the IMF forecasts it will be 4% in 2026 and 2027.
