Argentina's Central Bank (BCRA) bought US$457 million on Friday, April 10, its largest purchase in two years. Gross international reserves reached US$45.431 million, with net reserves turning positive at US$323 million. The official dollar closed lower at $1.395 for sale at Banco Nación.
The BCRA, led by Santiago Bausili, bought US$457 million in the foreign exchange market on April 10, topping the US$468 million purchase on April 4, 2024. This raised gross reserves by US$279 million to US$45.431 million, per official data. Net reserves, calculated by economist Federico Machado subtracting required reserves, swaps, and loans, reached US$323 million.
Since January, the BCRA has accumulated US$5.421 million in purchases over 63 trading sessions, and US$1.039 million in April. Economist Federico Felippini noted it doubles 2026's prior high and aligns with increased agro liquidation and contained demand. Economy Minister Luis Caputo said: "If the BCRA didn't buy US$100 million a day, the dollar would be at $1,100".
The official retail dollar closed at $1.345 for buy and $1.395 for sale at Banco Nación (BNA), with wholesale at $1.370. The blue dollar traded between $1.370 and $1.390 for sale. Others: MEP at $1.412.70, CCL at $1.470.90, and crypto at $1.471.20.
Harvest liquidation and positive trade balance boosted supply, enabling purchases under the inflation-adjusted exchange bands from INDEC.