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A man wearing a face mask as a protective measure against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) walks past the entrance of the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, a day after midterm primary elections, in Buenos Aires, Argentina September 13, 2021. The primary, which unusually is an obligatory nationwide vote, defines internal leadership battles and acts as a dry run for the general election. The primary vote four years ago delivered a shock landslide defeat to the government of conservative then-President Mauricio Macri, sparking a crash in bonds, equities and the peso currency that Argentina has yet to fully recover from. Ex-security tsar Patricia Bullrich and Buenos Aires city Mayor Horacio Larreta are vying to lead the opposition, and Economy Minister Sergio Massa is a unity candidate for the Peronists. The country's S&P Merval (.MERV) stock market index, meanwhile, has been soaring, seen as a safe haven for local investors and a refuge from the damaging impact of inflation.

Persons: Agustin Marcarian, Mauricio Macri, it's, Mauro Natalucci, Rava Bursátil, Patricia Bullrich, Horacio Larreta, Sergio Massa, Javier Milei, Jorge Otaola, Walter Bianchi, Adam Jourdan, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, REUTERS, Peronist, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Argentine, SBS Group, International Monetary Fund, Thomson Locations: Buenos Aires, Argentina, BUENOS AIRES, MERV

☆ Factbox: Who are the candidates in Argentina's primary elections?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Maximilian Heath | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The polls will open at 8 a.m. (1100 GMT) with results coming in from 9 p.m. (0000 GMT). All candidates need a minimum 1.5% of the vote to be eligible for the general election, while the two main political blocs face internal leadership battles. JUAN GRABOIS AND JUAN SCHIARETTIGrabois, 40, a lawyer and labor activist, will compete with Massa for main Peronist nomination but lags well behind in polls. Schiaretti, 74, a regional governor, is a moderate with ties to Peronism running for a coalition of smaller parties. Reuters Graphics Reuters GraphicsReporting by Maximilian Heath; Editing by Nicolas Misculin and Diane CraftOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: SERGIO MASSA, Massa, PATRICIA BULLRICH Bullrich, Horacio Larreta, HORACIO LARRETA Larreta, Larreta, JAVIER MILEI, JUAN GRABOIS, JUAN SCHIARETTI Grabois, Maximilian Heath, Nicolas Misculin, Diane Craft Organizations: Peronist coalition's, la Patria, Peronist, Buenos Aires, Change, Bullrich, Harvard, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Thomson Locations: BUENOS AIRES, Buenos Aires, Argentina

☆ Voter anger, apathy hang over Argentina primary elections
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Nicolás Misculin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Pollsters, however, said voter apathy could mean big shifts late in the race, with many people still undecided. The primary election will give the clearest indication yet of what the October general election result is likely to be. "I still don't know who I'm going to vote for and I think we're all in the same position. "I'm going to vote because I don't want to pay the fine, but I still don't know who. Despite voting being obligatory by law, voter turnout is also expected to be down and could affect the result.

Persons: Sergio Massa, Kristalina Georgieva, Evelyn Hockstein, Javier Milei, Pablo Vairo, Facundo Nejamkis, Horacio Larreta, Patricia Bullrich, Cristian Guardo, Maximiliano Herrera, Karina, Nicolas Misculin, Juan Bustamante, Adam Jourdan, Diane Craft Organizations: Monetary Fund, IMF, REUTERS, Peronist coalition's, Economy, Peronist, Reuters, Primaries, pollster Opina, Milei, Reuters Graphics Reuters, la Patria, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Buenos Aires, pollster, pollster Opina Argentina, Peronist, Candelaria

[1/5] A priest blesses Argentine faithfuls during San Cayetano's (Saint Cajetan) feast day, the patron saint of labour and bread, at San Cayetano church in Buenos Aires, Argentina August 7, 2023. "Walking around this neighborhood, there are many people who have come from other parts of the country to ask for work. People are asking a saint because they can't ask the politicians," said retiree Juan Mura, 58. "I would like the politicians to come here and see the reality of the people." He said he had come to pray to St. Cayetano for years and he hadn't been let down so far, despite the country's long-running economic woes.

Persons: Mariana Nedelcu, Cayetano, Juan Mura, Sergio Massa, Massa, Betina Basanta, Armando Villar, hadn't, I've, Claudia Martini, Miguel Lo Bianco, Horacio Soria, Adam Jourdan, Conor Humphries Organizations: San, REUTERS, Peronist, Thomson Locations: Argentine, Cayetano's, San Cayetano, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mariana Nedelcu BUENOS AIRES

☆ Argentine polls give slight edge to opposition ahead of uncertain primaries
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Lucila Sigal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Matias Baglietto/File PhotoBUENOS AIRES, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Argentina's opposition is polling with a slight lead for the upcoming August primaries, usually a reliable bellwether for the outcome of the presidential election, but with many voters ready to snub the ballot box the results are far from certain. Most polls peg the center-right opposition alliance Together for Change (JxC) with a slight edge against the center-left ruling coalition Union for the Homeland (UP). Over 10 percentage points behind is political outsider Javier Milei's Liberty Advances party, which hopes to win votes from those disillusioned with politics. The primaries will decide the candidates who will compete in the Oct. 22 elections, but polls vary on which candidates will win a place in the race. Massa is seen as likely to win a place in the presidential vote, but the country's severe economic crisis has favored Milei, who carries an "emotional vote".

Persons: Javier Milei, Matias Baglietto, Carlos Fara, Javier Milei's, Mariel Fornoni, Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, Patricia Bullrich, Bullrich, Sergio Massa, Juan Grabois, Massa, Milei, Pollsters, It's, Lucila Sigal, Juan Bustamante, Sarah Morland, Sandra Maler Organizations: 135th Argentine, REUTERS, Union for, Homeland, Management, Economy, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Buenos Aires, Argentina, BUENOS AIRES, UP, Fara

☆ Argentina agrees $775 million loan with Qatar to make IMF repayment
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Washington, U.S., September 4, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File PhotoAug 4 (Reuters) - Argentina's government on Friday agreed with Qatar a $775 million loan to use to make an International Monetary Fund (IMF) repayment due this Friday. Argentina is grappling with a severe economic crisis with sky-high inflation and falling central bank reserves and is facing IMF repayments. The country's Economy Minister Sergio Massa said on Monday Argentina would not use "a single dollar of its own reserves" to make the IMF repayment. The Qatar loan will have the IMF's variable interest rate applicable to SDRs (IMF currency), which is currently 4.033% per annum, a presidential decree said.

Persons: Yuri Gripas, Sergio Massa, Massa, Nicolas Misculin, Natalia Siniawski, Jason Neely, Jane Merriman Organizations: Monetary Fund, REUTERS, Qatar, Argentina, IMF, CAF, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Argentina, Qatar, China

"China is not trying to supplant the IMF," said Matthew Mingey, a senior analyst with Rhodium Group. "When China has allowed these swap lines to be tapped, in many cases it's to unlock an IMF bailout or ensure an IMF programme stays on track." In turn, China is a major customer for Argentina's soy, corn and poultry exports. "China has every incentive to tightly manage Argentine drawings under the swap lines as the risks are very high." The swap line that the People's Bank of China (PBOC) signed in 2009 with Buenos Aires was the first agreed with a Latin American country.

Persons: Matthew Mingey, Buenos, Mark Sobel, Sobel, Sergio Massa, Martin Castellano, Alejandro Werner, Werner, Mingey, Jorgelina, Rosario, Karin Strohecker, Jorge Otaola, Joe Cash, Kirsten Donovan Organizations: International Monetary Fund, IMF, U.S . Treasury, Reuters, World Bank, TAG, People's Bank of China, Buenos Aires, Economy, Institute of International Finance, Relations, Georgetown Americas Institute, Western Hemisphere Department, Thomson Locations: China, Argentina, Beijing, Washington, Latin America, Buenos Aires, U.S, Buenos, American, United States, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Ukraine

☆ Argentina won't use 'one dollar' of reserves to repay IMF, says Massa
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BUENOS AIRES, July 31 (Reuters) - Argentina's Economy Minister Sergio Massa said on Monday the country will not use "a single dollar" of its own reserves to make a $2.7 billion repayment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due this week. Argentina, which has been grappling with a severe economic crisis with sky-high inflation and falling central bank reserves, needed to avoid a default with the Fund, with maturities of $2.6 billion due on Monday and almost $800 million due on Tuesday. "I want to bring you peace of mind - Argentina is not going to use a single dollar of its reserves to pay today's maturity," Massa said in a televised speech. The challenge for Argentina now, he added, is to "continue to take care of the (foreign currency) reserves while maintaining the economic activity levels." Reporting by Eliana Raszewski and Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Alexander VIllegasOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Sergio Massa, Massa, Eliana Raszewski, Gabriel Araujo, Bernadette Baum, Alexander VIllegas Organizations: International Monetary Fund, Development Bank of Latin America, CAF, IMF, Thomson Locations: BUENOS AIRES, China, Buenos Aires, Argentina

WASHINGTON/LONDON, July 28 (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund said on Friday that it has reached a staff-level agreement with Argentina to unlock about $7.5 billion and complete the fifth and sixth reviews of the struggling country's $44 billion loan program. Reuters first reported that the agreement would combine the fifth and sixth reviews of Argentina's IMF program -- a move that provides additional loan funds sooner. The IMF said its board would meet to consider the agreement in the second half of August. The Fund said that the program will need waivers because these measures are "against the introduction of multiple currency practices." Argentina is set to have another three reviews on its 2022 IMF programme by September 2024, though the IMF statement didn't specify what would happen with those.

Persons: Sergio Massa, David Lawder, Hugh Lawson, Alistair Bell Organizations: WASHINGTON, Monetary Fund, Reuters, IMF, Argentine, Thomson Locations: LONDON, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Beijing, Washington, Rosario, London

☆ Argentina reach staff deal on loan reviews to unlock $7.5 billion
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The International Monetary Fund said on Friday that it has reached a staff-level agreement with Argentina to unlock about $7.5 billion and complete the fifth and sixth reviews of the struggling country’s $44 billion loan program. Reuters first reported that the agreement would combine the fifth and sixth reviews of Argentina’s IMF program — a move that provides additional loan funds sooner. The IMF said its board would meet to consider the agreement in the second half of August. The agreement calls for Argentina to tamp down import demand with new foreign exchange taxes for imported goods and to strengthen expenditure controls. Argentina is set to have another three reviews on its 2022 IMF program by September 2024, though the IMF statement didn’t specify what would happen with those.

Persons: Sergio Massa Organizations: Monetary Fund, Reuters, IMF, Argentine Locations: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Beijing

THE REVIEWUnder the terms of the $44 billion program agreed in 2022, the funds are released in tranches based on regular reviews of steps Argentina takes to shore up its economy. The IMF did not respond to a request for comment on the likelihood of a board meeting soon to discuss the Argentina program. Argentina made the last IMF payment due end-June partially with its holdings of IMF special-drawing rights (SDRs), but analysts calculated that this has wiped out the country's $1.65 billion in IMF reserve assets. Argentina used $1.1 billion in yuan from a recently extended and expanded swap line with China to complete the June payment to the IMF. Reuters GraphicsFALLING INTO ARREARSMissing payments would automatically put Argentina in default with the IMF because there is no grace period with the multilateral lender.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, Sergio Massa, Gordian Kemen, Kemen, Gross, Jorgelina, Rosario, Rodrigo Campos, Karin Strohecker, Tomasz Janowski Organizations: International Monetary Fund, IMF, Standard Chartered Bank, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Beijing, China

If it cannot secure fresh funds before an approaching deadline, Argentina risks defaulting on repayments to the IMF. Analysts say the central aim of these economic adjustments is to signal to the IMF that Buenos Aires is committed to the program. The left-wing administration has been locked in negotiations with the IMF for months over whether to front-load tranches of the $44 billion program. Both parties said on Sunday that an agreement on the fifth IMF review was close, but not yet finalized. Reporting by Lucinda Elliott in Montevideo, Anna-Catherine Brigida in Buenos Aires, Rodrigo Campos in New York.

Persons: Sergio Massa, Eduardo Levy Yeyati, Eyeing, Marina dal, EcoGo, Alejo Czerwonko, Yeyati, Lucinda Elliott, Catherine Brigida, Rodrigo Campos, Jorgelina de, Karin Strohecker, Catherine Evans Organizations: International Monetary Fund, Economy, Peronist, IMF, Reuters, Emerging, UBS, Analysts, Thomson Locations: BUENOS AIRES, Buenos Aires, Argentina, refinance, Washington, Beijing, Montevideo, Anna, New York, Jorgelina de Rosario, London

☆ Argentina's cabinet chief says harvest should bring economic relief
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Nicolás Misculin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Argentina's Cabinet Chief and vice presidential pre-candidate Agustin Rossi gestures in his office during an interview with Reuters, at the Casa Rosada Presidential Palace, in Buenos Aires, Argentina July 21, 2023. REUTERS/Agustin MarcarianBUENOS AIRES, July 21 (Reuters) - Argentina's financial crisis, which has been marked by exchange rate volatility and soaring inflation, should start abating in November and December, with large foreign currency inflows from the wheat harvest, cabinet chief Agustin Rossi told Reuters on Friday. Argentina's prolonged financial crisis has been aggravated by a ferocious drought that reduced crucial agricultural exports by an estimated $20 billion this year. "(Inflation) does not go down with abrupt devaluation... We do not believe that this is necessary in Argentina," Rossi said. "We are optimistic, we believe that we will find a way," Rossi said of the IMF talks.

Persons: Agustin Rossi, Agustin Marcarian, " Rossi, Nestor Kirchner, Rossi, Sergio Massa, Alberto Fernandez, Nicolás Misculin, Alexander Villegas, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: Argentina's, Reuters, Casa, REUTERS, Peronist, International Monetary Fund, IMF, Thomson Locations: Buenos Aires, Argentina, Agustin Marcarian BUENOS AIRES, Vaca

The tanker Flex Artemis was in the South Atlantic and heading northeast on Thursday, according to Refinitiv vessel tracking. It had carried LNG from Yamal in Russia, according to a trader familiar with the matter, and had arrived in Argentine waters about July 14. The Flex Artemis is carrying around 160,000 cubic meters of LNG, according to Olumide Ajayi, senior LNG analyst at Refinitiv. Leo Kabouche, LNG market analyst at consultancy Energy Aspects, said warm weather in Argentina and the start of the Nestor Kirchner pipeline is likely reducing the call on LNG. Argentina turns away Gunvor-chartered LNG tanker, citing sanctions Argentina turns away Gunvor-chartered LNG tankerReporting by Marwa Rashad in London and Julia Payne in Brussels; additional reporting by Ron Bousso in London and Nicolas Misculin in Buenos Aires; Editing by Josie Kao and Jonathan OatisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Sergio Massa, Gunvor, counterparty, Olumide Ajayi, Leo Kabouche, Nestor Kirchner, Marwa Rashad, Julia Payne, Ron Bousso, Nicolas Misculin, Josie Kao, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Energy, Argentina, Thomson Locations: Russia, France, Argentine, Yamal, Ukraine, Geneva, Argentina, Gunvor, London, Brussels, Buenos Aires

☆ Analysis: Pakistan and Argentina bonds' surge belies bigger reform hurdles
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( Libgeorge Jorgelina Do Rosario | Jorgelina Do Rosario | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Reuters GraphicsBut the boost in the bonds belies the difficulties both nations face implementing major reforms once new leaders arrive after upcoming elections. Pakistan's 11th hour deal for $3 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), after months of talks got official approval this week. Saudi Arabia and the UAE followed with $2 billion and $1 billion infusions. This fresh cash means Pakistan is unlikely to default on its debt in the next six to nine months, said de Sousa. Investors and pollsters said the tough times could force Pakistan and Argentina's leaders to reckon with needed fiscal reforms.

Persons: Carlos de Sousa, de Sousa, JPMorgan, Roberto H, Sifon Arevalo, refinance, Jimena Blanco, pollsters, Alejandro Catterberg, Sergio Massa, Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, Patricia Bullrich, Javier Milei, Shamaila Khan, Libby George, Jorgelina, Rodrigo Campos, Karin Strohecker, Toby Chopra Organizations: JPMorgan, Vontobel Asset Management, International Monetary Fund, UAE, Elections, Pakistan, P, Reuters, Peronist, Asia Pacific, UBS Asset Management, Thomson Locations: Pakistan, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Washington, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Asia, Rosario

☆ Argentines tighten wallets to fight spiraling inflation
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BUENOS AIRES, July 13 (Reuters) - Argentines are tightening their wallets to make end meets as the South American country battles inflation which could surpass 140% on an annual basis this year, hunting for the cheapest prices on basic goods to shield their income. Inflation in the 12 months through June hit 115.6%, official data showed on Thursday. While Argentines are on track this year to keep up their high steak consumption, higher prices are taking a bite out of their selections. Analysts forecast that annual inflation could close this year at 142.4% compared to 94.8% last year, according to a central bank poll, steadily cutting away at consumers' purchasing power in Latin America's third-largest economy. The country is seeking adjustments as rising inflation, a weakening peso and a historic drought hamper exports and financial reserves.

Persons: INDEC, Gabriel Segovia, Sergio Massa, Annabella Paez, Horacio Soria, Sarah Morland, Susan Heavey, Diane Craft Organizations: Economy, Analysts, International Monetary Fund, Reuters, IMF, Thomson Locations: BUENOS AIRES, American, Buenos Aires, Argentine, Candelaria

☆ Argentina inaugurates key gas pipeline to reverse energy deficit
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( Candelaria Grimberg | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SALLIQUELO, Argentina, July 9 (Reuters) - Argentina inaugurated on Sunday the first stage of a gas pipeline that will carry natural gas from the Vaca Muerta formation in western Argentina to Santa Fe province by way of Buenos Aires province, an essential work to reverse the country's significant energy deficit. It has the second unconventional gas reserves worldwide and the fourth in oil. The completion of the first stage of the gas pipeline, which starts in Neuquen province and reaches Buenos Aires province, adds 11 million cubic meters of gas per day. This will double when the compression plants are installed in Tratayen, in Neuquen province, and in Salliquelo, in Buenos Aires province. "We are no longer going to import gas in ships because we are going to use the gas from our subsoil."

Persons: Vaca Muerta, Sergio Massa, " Massa, Agustin Gerez, Candelaria Grimberg, Eliana Raszewski, Anna, Catherine Brigida, Diane Craft Organizations: Energia Argentina, Thomson Locations: SALLIQUELO, Argentina, Vaca, Santa Fe, Buenos Aires, Belgium, Patagonia, Neuquen province, Tratayen, Salliquelo, San Jeronimo

☆ Smaller valuations and a lack of ego helped Spain's startup scene avoid some of Europe's shocking collapse in VC funding, investors say
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( Tasmin Lockwood | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Spain's startup scene has evaded some of the collapse in VC funding that has rocked Europe in 2023. Smaller check sizes and a lack of "ego" has somewhat protected the ecosystem, investors say. Smaller valuations, check sizes, and a distinct lack of ego helped Spain's startup scene evade some of the shocking collapse in venture capital funding that has rocked Europe so far this year. Smaller rounds give Spain's startups an edge in the downturnWhat correction was felt was eased by the fact there is less "ego" in Spain's ecosystem, according to Max Bray, an investor at early-stage firm K Fund. As well as the birth of local growth funds, investors see corporations playing a role in closing the funding gap.

Persons: SoftBank, Catalyst, Pablo Pedrejón, Max Bray, Dalia Silberstein, Pedro Arribas Gridilla, Juliette Simonin, Margarita Albors, Tasmin Lockwood, Bray, Marc Sabas, Fund's Bray, Wallbox cofounders Enric Asunción, Eduard Castañeda, Glovo, Wallbox, Oscar Pierre, Ship2B's Sabas, Danae Vara, Danae Vara Ship2B, hasn't, Sabas, CVCs, There's, Félix Ortega, K Fund's Bray, Sérgio Massano Organizations: Accel, Pedrejón, Venture, Fund, Esade Center, Social, Foundation, Spanish, K Fund, Investors, Danae Vara Ship2B Ventures, Investment, Corporations, Barcelona Activa, Telefónica, BBVA, Proeduca Locations: Europe, Spain, Madrid, France, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Seaya, Bray, Vara, Barcelona, Silicon, London

☆ Argentina 'death flight' plane returned from US
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Miguel Lo Bianco | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The turboprop plane took part in the so-called "death flights" that Argentina's bloody 1976-1983 dictatorship employed as one of its tools to get rid of critics. At the request of relatives of the victims, Argentina's economy minister bought the plane and organized its transfer from the United States. It will be housed at a museum in the capital, Buenos Aires, on the site of a former clandestine detention and torture center where death flight victims were held before their murders. The Skyvan PA-51 was identified in 2010 by journalist and survivor of the dictatorship, Miriam Lewin, and the Italian photographer Giancarlo Ceraudo, using flight logs. About 30,000 people disappeared during the 1976-1983 dictatorship, according to human rights organizations.

Persons: Read, Alice Domon, Leonie Duquet, Azucena Villaflor, Cecila, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Fernandez de Kirchner, Sergio Massa, Miriam Lewin, Giancarlo Ceraudo, Miguel Lo Bianco, Lucila Sigal, Brendan O'Boyle, Gerry Doyle Organizations: de Mayo, Monday, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Argentine, Naval, de, BUENOS AIRES, United States, Buenos Aires, Italian

☆ Argentina political drama heats as election battle lines drawn
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-24 | by ( Anna-Catherine Brigida | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

BUENOS AIRES, June 24 (Reuters) - Argentina's presidential election battle lines have hardened after economy minister Sergio Massa entered the race in a dramatic late twist to take on front runners including a conservative city mayor, ex-security czar and libertarian economist. The most notable late confirmation has been Economy Minister Sergio Massa, whose candidacy was announced somewhat unexpectedly Friday night. "This completely changes the political scene," said Alejandro Corbacho, director of political science program at Argentine University UCEMA. Larreta, Bullrich, and Massa are roughly even in the polls, with Milei polling slightly ahead. With no candidate or party polling over 50%, the likelihood is the October election will lead to a run-off, with all still to play for.

Persons: Sergio Massa, Alejandro Corbacho, Massa, Agustin Rossi, Eduardo, Wado, de Pedro, Brazil Daniel Scioli, Horacio Larreta, Patricia Bullrich, Facundo Manes, Bullrich, Javier Milei, Carlos Fara, Anna, Catherine Brigida, Adam Jourdan, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: Argentine University UCEMA, Thomson Locations: BUENOS AIRES, American, Brazil, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Argentine

☆ Argentina to make $1.9 bln payment to IMF as scheduled - econ min source
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BUENOS AIRES, June 21 (Reuters) - Argentina will make scheduled payments totaling some $1.9 billion to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday, an economy ministry source said. Argentina has $2.7 billion due to the fund this month alone. The government hopes to bring forward over $10 billion in IMF disbursements this year, though has been reluctant to agree to tough austerity measures as the next general elections scheduled for October approach. Economy Minister Sergio Massa is set to travel to Washington once an agreement to ease economic targets is drafted with IMF officials. Reporting by Jorge Otaola and Walter Bianchi; Editing by Conor HumphriesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Sergio Massa, Jorge Otaola, Walter Bianchi, Conor Humphries Organizations: International Monetary Fund, IMF, Thomson Locations: BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Washington

BUENOS AIRES/NEW YORK, June 18 (Reuters) - Argentina and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have a $44 billion dilemma, with the two sides set to meet for crunch talks to revamp the country's huge, wobbling debt deal, key to avoiding default on billions in looming debt payments. Economy Minister Sergio Massa is expected in Washington as early as this week to try to unlock talks to accelerate IMF disbursements and ease economic targets attached to the deal, with investors and traders watching closely. "The fund knows that Argentina is a problem, it is its main debtor, but it seems to me that the negotiation has stagnated. Reuters Graphics'DAMAGE CONTROL'The government is hoping to bring forward over $10 billion in IMF disbursements scheduled for this year, though is reluctant to agree to tough austerity measures with an eye on October general elections where it faces likely defeat. "Investors are paying real attention to signs from the IMF negotiations," said economist Gustavo Ber.

Persons: Sergio Massa, Ricardo Delgado, Massa, Hugo Godoy, Gustavo Ber, Walter Bianchi, Rodrigo Campos, Adam Jourdan, Daniel Wallis Organizations: BUENOS AIRES, International Monetary Fund, Economy, IMF, Reuters Graphics, Reuters, Institute of International Finance, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Thomson Locations: BUENOS, Argentina, Washington, Argentine, Buenos Aires, China

☆ Argentina says Chevron to invest $500 mln in Vaca Muerta shale area
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Companies Chevron Corp FollowJune 9 (Reuters) - U.S.-based oil major Chevron (CVX.N) will invest more than $500 million to develop the Trapial block in western Neuquen province, home to the massive Vaca Muerta shale basin, Argentina's economy ministry announced on Friday. The announcement followed a meeting between Economy Minister Sergio Massa and company officials, according to a ministry statement. Last year, Neuquen officials granted Chevron a concession for shale production in the area, with what the company said at the time would be a pilot stage investment of about $80 million. The Vaca Muerta shale formation is the world's fourth-largest shale oil reserve and the second largest for shale gas. Oil companies operating in the formation have been ramping up output from Vaca Muerta in recent months, which officials hope can eventually reverse the country's longstanding energy deficit.

Persons: Sergio Massa, Vaca Muerta, Carolina Pulice, David Alire Garcia Organizations: Chevron Corp, Chevron, South, Thomson Locations: Chevron, Neuquen, South American, Vaca

☆ Argentina raises interest rate to 97% as it struggles to tackle inflation
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Stefano Pozzebon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The Central Bank of Argentina raised its key interest rate Monday by six percentage points to 97% in an effort to tackle soaring inflation that has reached 30-year highs. Central banks across the globe are struggling to rein in inflation, but it’s a particular problem in Argentina, where the annual inflation rate soared above 100% last month. (By comparison, inflation hovers below 5% in the US, where the central bank has raised key interest rates by five percentage points over 14 months.) Argentina’s central bank is also hoping the rate hike will incentivize investments in the country’s currency, according to the central bank’s statement released Monday. “When a central bank raises the interest rate, the effects are felt some two or three months afterward, and that timescale is not effective in Argentina’s situation.”— Elisabeth Buchwald contributed reporting.

☆ Argentina will pay for Chinese imports in yuan instead of dollars to preserve its shrinking greenback reserves
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Zahra Tayeb | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Argentina will start paying for Chinese imports in yuan instead of dollars, Reuters reported. A historic drought has hit Argentina's agricultural exports, meaning fewer dollars are coming in. "Following the worst drought in history, Argentina must keep its (foreign) reserves robust," Sergio Massa said, per Anadolu Agency. The South American nation will aim to buy around $1 billion of Chinese imports in April using yuan. After that, it hopes to pay for around $790 million of monthly imports in the Chinese currency.

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