Buenos Aires, January 19 (NA) -- The Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) bought US$21 million this Monday and has acquired more than US$700 million so far in January. According to what Argentine News Agency learned, it has acquired US$708 million since the 'phase 4' of the monetary program began. Since January 5, the purchases are broken down as follows: US$21 million, US$83 million, US$9 million, US$62 million, US$43 million, US$55 million, US$55 million, US$187 million, US$47 million, US$125 million, and US$21 million. It is the eleventh consecutive day in which dollars are purchased to strengthen reserves. Among the largest purchases are those of January 14 (US$187 million), January 16 (US$125 million), and January 6 (US$83 million). The Central Bank has had eleven consecutive rounds of dollar purchases. With the start of the new monetary program, the Central Bank committed to acquiring up to 5% of the daily volume traded on the Free Exchange Market (MLC). However, it is speculated that the financial entity exceeded that threshold and operated outside the MLC. According to the official text, the daily execution amount of the reserve accumulation program 'will be aligned with a 5% participation in the daily volume of the foreign exchange market', where the BCRA 'can carry out block purchases that could otherwise affect the proper functioning and stability of the market'. It is for this reason that from the Central's administration, they believe they can reach US$10,000 million during 2026, given that an increase in the monetary base from the current 4.2% to 4.8% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) for December is forecast. In the best case, and with an increase in money demand of 1% of GDP, that number could climb to US$17,000 million 'without requiring sustained sterilization efforts'. Santiago Bausili and Luis Caputo. Photo: Agencia NA / Mariano Sánchez. The truth is that the Government must increase the flow of reserves, as this was something agreed upon within the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of last April. In this sense, the international body celebrated the consistency of purchases being made by the Executive. 'The accumulation of reserves began at an accelerated rate, which is very good,' stated the organization's spokesperson, Julie Kozack, during a press conference in Washington followed by this agency. She also announced that in February the economic program review will take place when a mission arrives in the country.
