The Argentine Thread · Markets and Data
Argentina indicators today: dólar hoy, riesgo país, inflation and more
Every major Argentine indicator on one page, refreshed automatically from the BCRA, INDEC and the Ministry of Economy, with market quotes for the MEP, CCL, blue and crypto dollars. Click any tile for the full history and the source.
Last updated: . Weekdays every 30 minutes during market hours, daily otherwise. Peso amounts in US$ use the MEP rate of ARS 1,563.90.
Markets daily
- Official dollar (Banco Nación)What it isThe retail rate at which Banco Nación, the largest state bank, buys and sells dollars to the public at its branches and in its app.What it means for youIt is the headline rate in the press and the starting point for most other quotes, but it is not always the rate you get as a visitor or investor.How people use itResidents with a bank account can buy and sell dollars at bank rates close to this one, subject to current rules. Many contracts and prices are quoted against it.Read moreDólar oficial (Banco Nación, retail sell)ARS 1,550.00 +0.00% vs ARS 1,550.00 (23 Oct 2026) 24 Oct 2026 · dolarapi.com (Banco Nación quote)
- Wholesale dollar (Com. A 3500)What it isThe interbank rate that banks and large companies use among themselves, published daily by the central bank under its Communication A 3500.What it means for youIt is the reference for exports, imports and most corporate FX, and it anchors the retail official rate, which trades slightly above it.How people use itImporters, exporters and companies paying foreign debt transact at or near this rate through their banks. Analysts use it to track the central bank's FX band.Read moreDólar mayorista (BCRA Com. A 3500)ARS 1,528.26 +0.03% vs ARS 1,527.85 (22 Oct 2026) 23 Oct 2026 · BCRA, Comunicación A 3500
- MEP dollar (dólar bolsa)What it isA market rate obtained by buying an Argentine bond or share in pesos and selling the same security for dollars inside Argentina. MEP stands for Mercado Electrónico de Pagos.What it means for youIt is the most useful benchmark for what pesos are really worth in dollars. This site converts peso prices to US dollars at the MEP rate for that reason.How people use itResidents use it, through a broker or bank app, to buy dollars legally and deposit them in a local dollar account. Visitors paying with a foreign card are often charged a rate close to it.Read moreDólar MEP (bolsa)ARS 1,563.90 +0.66% vs ARS 1,553.60 (23 Oct 2026)Gap vs oficial: 0.9% 24 Oct 2026 · dolarapi.com, MEP quote
- CCL dollar (contado con liquidación)What it isLike the MEP, but the security bought in pesos is sold for dollars abroad, so the dollars land in a foreign account.What it means for youIt is the rate at which capital can leave Argentina through the formal securities market, so it is the key reference for foreign investors and companies.How people use itCompanies and investors use it to move funds abroad legally through regulated brokers, for example to pay dividends or repatriate capital when other channels are restricted.Read moreDólar CCL (contado con liquidación)ARS 1,654.00 +0.88% vs ARS 1,639.50 (23 Oct 2026)Gap vs oficial: 6.7% 24 Oct 2026 · dolarapi.com, CCL quote
- Blue dollarWhat it isThe informal parallel market rate for cash dollars, quoted by the press from street level trading.What it means for youIt is a reference for sentiment and for how far the formal rates are from what cash commands. It is not a rate the formal system offers.How people use itAnalysts watch the blue to gauge pressure on the peso and the size of the gap with official rates. We show it as a reference only and do not recommend using informal channels.Read moreDólar blue (informal)ARS 1,565.00 +0.00% vs ARS 1,565.00 (23 Oct 2026)Gap vs oficial: 1.0% 24 Oct 2026 · dolarapi.com, informal market quote
- Crypto dollar (USDT)What it isThe price in pesos of dollar stablecoins such as USDT on crypto exchanges operating in Argentina.What it means for youIt shows what dollars cost through digital asset platforms, which are open around the clock, including weekends when markets are closed.How people use itSome residents and freelancers hold savings or receive payments in stablecoins through exchanges registered with the securities regulator (CNV). Check that a platform is registered before using it.Read moreDólar cripto (USDT)ARS 1,645.32 +0.28% vs ARS 1,640.77 (23 Oct 2026)Gap vs oficial: 6.1% 24 Oct 2026 · dolarapi.com, crypto quote
- Card dollar (tarjeta)What it isThe rate applied to purchases in foreign currency made with Argentine credit and debit cards: the official rate plus the tax withholdings that apply to such spending.What it means for youIf you pay abroad or online in dollars with an Argentine card, this is roughly what it costs. Part of the surcharge is a tax prepayment that can be credited against income tax.How people use itResidents compare it with the MEP to decide whether to pay card bills in pesos or with dollars bought at the MEP. Visitors with foreign cards are not charged this rate; they are usually charged close to the MEP.Read moreDólar tarjeta (card)ARS 2,015.00 +0.00% vs ARS 2,015.00 (23 Oct 2026)Gap vs oficial: 30.0% 24 Oct 2026 · dolarapi.com, card rate quote
- Country risk (riesgo país)What it isThe extra yield, in basis points, that investors demand to hold Argentine government dollar bonds rather than US Treasuries, as measured by JP Morgan's EMBI index.What it means for youIt is the market's price for the chance that Argentina will not pay. Lower readings mean cheaper borrowing for the government and companies, and usually better conditions for investment.How people use itInvestors use it to judge when Argentina might return to international bond markets and to compare it with peers. Companies watch it because it sets a floor for their own borrowing costs.Read moreRiesgo país (JP Morgan EMBI spread)707 bps +3 bps vs 704 bps (22 Oct 2026) 23 Oct 2026 · JP Morgan EMBI via ArgentinaDatos
- BADLAR rateWhat it isThe average annual rate private banks pay on large peso time deposits, published by the central bank.What it means for youIt is a benchmark for peso borrowing costs. Many corporate bonds and loans pay BADLAR plus a margin.How people use itCompanies use it to price floating rate peso debt, and savers compare it with inflation to see whether deposits are earning a real return.Read moreBADLAR, private banks (TNA)22.94% +0.56 pts vs 22.38% (21 Oct 2026) 22 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 7
- TAMAR rateWhat it isThe average rate banks pay on very large wholesale peso deposits, published by the central bank as an alternative benchmark to BADLAR.What it means for youIt is increasingly used as the floating reference for new peso bonds and loans.How people use itIssuers and lenders use it to price floating rate peso instruments. Investors compare it with BADLAR and inflation.Read moreTAMAR, private banks (TNA)24.50% +0.31 pts vs 24.19% (21 Oct 2026) 22 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 44
- Fixed term deposit rate (plazo fijo)What it isThe average annual rate banks pay on standard peso time deposits, usually for thirty days.What it means for youIt is the simplest peso savings product for residents. Whether it beats inflation tells you if peso savings are gaining or losing value.How people use itResidents with peso balances compare this rate with expected inflation and with the move in the MEP to choose between pesos and dollars.Read more30 day time deposit rate (TNA)21.99% +0.99 pts vs 21.00% (21 Oct 2026) 22 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 12
- One day repo rate (pases)What it isThe rate on overnight repurchase operations between the central bank and banks.What it means for youIt signals the stance of monetary policy and influences all other peso rates.How people use itBanks and analysts watch it to read central bank policy. Changes ripple through deposit, loan and bond rates.Read moreOvernight repo between third parties (TNA)20.82% -0.06 pts vs 20.88% (21 Oct 2026) 22 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 150
Prices
Switch peso amounts to US dollars at the MEP rate of each date. Percentages and exchange rates do not change.- Monthly inflation (CPI)What it isThe month on month change in the national consumer price index published by INDEC, the statistics agency.What it means for youIt tells you how fast peso prices are rising. For visitors and dollar earners, what matters more is inflation in dollar terms, which also depends on the exchange rate.How people use itBusinesses use it to set price increases and wage negotiations, landlords and tenants use it for rent adjustments, and investors use it to compare with peso interest rates.Read moreCPI, monthly change1.90% +0.20 pts vs 1.70% (31 Aug 2026) 30 Sep 2026 · INDEC via BCRA statistics API, series 27
- Annual inflation (CPI, year on year)What it isThe change in consumer prices over the last twelve months.What it means for youIt smooths out monthly noise and is the figure most often compared across countries.How people use itInvestors compare it with peso rates and bond yields. Employers and unions use it as a reference in wage talks.Read moreCPI, year on year33.40% -0.10 pts vs 33.50% (31 Aug 2026) 30 Sep 2026 · INDEC via BCRA statistics API, series 28
- Core inflationWhat it isCPI excluding regulated prices, such as utilities and fuel, and seasonal items, such as fruit and clothing.What it means for youIt shows the underlying trend in prices that respond to demand and the exchange rate.How people use itAnalysts use it to judge whether disinflation is durable rather than driven by one off tariff decisions.Read moreCore CPI, monthly change1.8% +0.03 pts vs 1.8% (Jul 2026) Aug 2026 · INDEC via datos.gob.ar
- Regulated pricesWhat it isThe CPI component for prices set or approved by government, such as electricity, gas, water, public transport, fuel and prepaid health plans.What it means for youThese prices can jump when subsidies are reduced, which affects household budgets and the cost of running a business.How people use itBusinesses and residents use it to anticipate utility and transport costs. Analysts track it to follow subsidy policy.Read moreRegulated prices CPI, monthly change2.2% +0.11 pts vs 2.1% (Jul 2026) Aug 2026 · INDEC via datos.gob.ar
- Seasonal pricesWhat it isThe CPI component for items with strong seasonal swings, such as fruit, vegetables, clothing and tourism.What it means for youIt adds volatility to monthly inflation without changing the underlying trend.How people use itAnalysts strip it out to read the trend. Travellers may notice it in high season tourism prices.Read moreSeasonal CPI, monthly change-0.9% -5.40 pts vs 4.5% (Jul 2026) Aug 2026 · INDEC via datos.gob.ar
- Wholesale prices (IPIM)What it isINDEC's index of domestic wholesale prices for goods, including imported goods.What it means for youWholesale prices often lead consumer prices, especially after exchange rate moves.How people use itManufacturers and importers use it to track input costs. Analysts use it as an early signal for consumer inflation.Read moreWholesale prices (IPIM), monthly change2.1% +1.33 pts vs 0.8% (Jul 2026) Aug 2026 · INDEC via datos.gob.ar
- CER indexWhat it isA daily index that grows with consumer inflation, published by the central bank and used to adjust inflation linked instruments.What it means for youBonds and deposits adjusted by CER protect the holder against peso inflation.How people use itInvestors buy CER linked government bonds to hedge inflation. Contracts can also be indexed to it.Read moreCER index859.66 +0.06% vs 859.14 (24 Oct 2026) 25 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 30
- UVA unitWhat it isA unit of account whose peso value is adjusted daily by the CER index.What it means for youMortgages and some deposits in Argentina are denominated in UVA, so their peso balance rises with inflation.How people use itBanks offer UVA mortgages and UVA deposits. Borrowers and savers use it to keep values stable in real terms.Read moreUVA (ARS)ARS 2,168.29 +0.00% vs ARS 2,168.29 (24 Oct 2026)US$1.39 +0.00% vs US$1.39 (24 Oct 2026) 25 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 31
- Rental index (ICL)What it isAn index published by the central bank that combined inflation and wages, created to adjust residential rents under the former rental law.What it means for youOlder rental contracts may still adjust by it. Newer contracts can use other agreed indices.How people use itLandlords and tenants use it to calculate rent updates on contracts that reference it.Read moreICL rental contracts index37.07 +0.05% vs 37.05 (24 Oct 2026) 25 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 40
- Total basic basket (CBT)What it isThe monthly cost of the food and essential goods and services a household needs, published by INDEC. It defines the poverty line.What it means for youIt is a reference for the cost of living and the income needed to stay out of poverty.How people use itEmployers and analysts compare wages and pensions with it. Social policy uses it to measure poverty.Read moreCanasta básica total, per adult (GBA poverty line)ARS 1,605,497 (about US$1,027) +2.61% vs ARS 1,564,716 (Jul 2026)US$1,048 +2.15% vs US$1,026 (Jul 2026) Aug 2026 · INDEC via datos.gob.ar
- Basic food basket (CBA)What it isThe monthly cost of a minimum food basket, published by INDEC. It defines the indigence line.What it means for youIt tracks what essential food costs a household.How people use itAnalysts use it to measure extreme poverty and to compare with minimum wages and social benefits.Read moreCanasta básica alimentaria, per adult (GBA indigence line)ARS 726,469 (about US$465) +2.61% vs ARS 708,016 (Jul 2026)US$474 +2.15% vs US$464 (Jul 2026) Aug 2026 · INDEC via datos.gob.ar
Activity
- GDPWhat it isGross domestic product, the total value of goods and services produced, published quarterly by INDEC.What it means for youIt is the broadest measure of whether the economy is growing.How people use itInvestors and companies use it to size markets and judge the cycle.Read moreGDP, constant 2004 pesos, quarterly (year on year)2.0% -0.44 pts vs 2.4% (Q1 2026) Q2 2026 · INDEC via datos.gob.ar
- Monthly activity (EMAE)What it isINDEC's monthly economic activity estimator, a monthly proxy for GDP.What it means for youIt shows which way the economy is moving month to month and which sectors lead.How people use itBusinesses use it to read demand by sector. Analysts use it to anticipate GDP.Read moreEMAE monthly activity, seasonally adjusted (m/m)-2.9% -3.17 pts vs 0.3% (Jun 2026) Jul 2026 · INDEC via datos.gob.ar
- Monthly activity, year on yearWhat it isThe change in the EMAE versus the same month a year earlier.What it means for youIt removes seasonality by comparing like with like.How people use itAnalysts use it to judge recovery or recession against the prior year.Read moreEMAE monthly activity, original (year on year)-1.4% -4.58 pts vs 3.1% (Jun 2026) Jul 2026 · INDEC via datos.gob.ar
- Industrial production (IPI)What it isINDEC's monthly index of manufacturing output.What it means for youIt shows how factories are doing, which matters for suppliers, employment and imports of inputs.How people use itManufacturers and investors use it to read industrial demand by sector.Read moreIndustrial production IPI (year on year)-3.2% +1.65 pts vs -4.9% (Jul 2026) Aug 2026 · INDEC via datos.gob.ar
- Construction activity (ISAC)What it isINDEC's monthly index of construction activity, based on the demand for construction inputs.What it means for youIt is a leading signal for real estate development and investment.How people use itDevelopers, building suppliers and real estate investors use it to read the construction cycle.Read moreConstruction ISAC (year on year)-2.9% +1.77 pts vs -4.7% (Jul 2026) Aug 2026 · INDEC via datos.gob.ar
Labor
- Unemployment rateWhat it isThe share of the labour force without work and looking for it, published quarterly by INDEC from its household survey of urban areas.What it means for youIt shows how tight the labour market is, which affects hiring and wage pressure.How people use itEmployers use it when planning hiring. Analysts use it to read the social impact of the cycle.Read moreUnemployment rate (EPH, quarterly)7.90% +0.10 pts vs 7.80% (Q1 2026) Q2 2026 · INDEC EPH via datos.gob.ar
- Registered employmentWhat it isThe number of workers in registered employment, from social security records.What it means for youIt measures formal jobs, the ones with full labour protections and contributions.How people use itEmployers and investors use it to read formal hiring trends by sector.Read moreEmployment rate (EPH, quarterly)45.00% +0.20 pts vs 44.80% (Q1 2026) Q2 2026 · INDEC EPH via datos.gob.ar
- Wages indexWhat it isINDEC's index of wages across registered private, public and unregistered employment.What it means for youCompared with inflation, it shows whether purchasing power is rising or falling.How people use itEmployers use it as a benchmark for pay reviews. Analysts compare it with the CPI to compute real wages.Read moreWage index (year on year)36.2% +0.44 pts vs 35.7% (Jun 2026) Jul 2026 · INDEC via datos.gob.ar
Fiscal
Switch peso amounts to US dollars at the MEP rate of each date. Percentages and exchange rates do not change.- Primary fiscal balanceWhat it isGovernment revenue minus spending before interest payments, published monthly by the Ministry of Economy.What it means for youA primary surplus means the government does not need new borrowing or money printing to cover its operating costs, a key pillar of stabilisation.How people use itInvestors and rating agencies use it to judge debt sustainability and the credibility of the program.Read morePrimary balance, national public sector (monthly)ARS 1.99 trillion (about US$1.27bn) minus ARS 970.0bn change vs ARS 2.96 trillion (Jul 2026)US$1.30bn -33.07% vs US$1.94bn (Jul 2026) Aug 2026 · Ministry of Economy (IMIG) via datos.gob.ar
- Tax revenueWhat it isMonthly national tax collection, published by the tax authority.What it means for youIt reflects activity, inflation and changes in tax policy.How people use itAnalysts compare it with inflation to see whether revenue is growing in real terms.Read moreTax revenue, total (monthly)ARS 21.36 trillion (about US$13.66bn) +4.15% vs ARS 20.51 trillion (Aug 2026)US$13.87bn +3.62% vs US$13.39bn (Aug 2026) Sep 2026 · ARCA via datos.gob.ar
External
- Trade balanceWhat it isExports minus imports of goods, published monthly by INDEC.What it means for youA surplus brings in dollars that can support reserves and the exchange rate.How people use itAnalysts watch it to judge FX supply. Exporters and importers use it to read conditions in their markets.Read moreTrade balance (monthly)US$2,187m +US$88m change vs US$2,098m (Jul 2026) Aug 2026 · INDEC ICA via datos.gob.ar
- ExportsWhat it isThe value of goods exported, published monthly by INDEC.What it means for youExports are the main source of dollars for the economy.How people use itInvestors track agriculture, energy and mining exports to judge FX supply and sector momentum.Read moreExports (monthly)US$8,883m +0.32% vs US$8,854m (Jul 2026) Aug 2026 · INDEC ICA via datos.gob.ar
- ImportsWhat it isThe value of goods imported, published monthly by INDEC.What it means for youImports rise with activity and with easier access to dollars, and they compete with local producers.How people use itImporters and analysts use it to read domestic demand and the effect of trade opening.Read moreImports (monthly)US$6,696m -0.88% vs US$6,756m (Jul 2026) Aug 2026 · INDEC ICA via datos.gob.ar
- Current accountWhat it isThe balance of trade in goods and services plus income flows such as interest and dividends, published quarterly by INDEC.What it means for youA deficit means the country needs capital inflows or reserves to pay for it.How people use itInvestors use it to judge external vulnerability and pressure on the peso.Read moreCurrent account (quarterly)US$2,214m +US$4,625m change vs US$-2,411m (Q1 2026) Q2 2026 · INDEC balance of payments via datos.gob.ar
- Gross reserves (BCRA)What it isThe central bank's total holdings of foreign currency, gold and other external assets.What it means for youReserves are the country's buffer to defend the peso and pay debt. Rising reserves support confidence.How people use itInvestors use reserves, especially net of short term liabilities, to judge the risk of devaluation and default.Read moreBCRA gross international reservesUS$50,228m +0.05% vs US$50,201m (20 Oct 2026) 21 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 1
- Central bank FX purchasesWhat it isDaily net dollar purchases or sales by the central bank in the official market.What it means for youPurchases add to reserves; sales signal the central bank is supporting the peso.How people use itAnalysts track them to judge reserve accumulation and pressure on the exchange rate.Read moreBCRA FX purchases (daily, reserve effect)US$104m +US$86m change vs US$18m (19 Oct 2026) 20 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 78
Money
Switch peso amounts to US dollars at the MEP rate of each date. Percentages and exchange rates do not change.- Monetary baseWhat it isCurrency in circulation plus bank reserves at the central bank.What it means for youFast growth in the base can feed inflation, while slow growth signals tight money.How people use itAnalysts compare it with inflation to judge monetary policy.Read moreMonetary baseARS 47.20 trillion (about US$30.18bn) +0.43% vs ARS 47.00 trillion (20 Oct 2026)US$30.47bn +0.12% vs US$30.44bn (20 Oct 2026) 21 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 15
- Private M2What it isCash held by the public plus private sector current and savings accounts in pesos.What it means for youIt measures transactional money in the economy. Demand for pesos is a key sign of confidence.How people use itAnalysts use real M2 to judge whether people are holding pesos or fleeing to dollars.Read morePrivate transactional M2ARS 62.38 trillion (about US$39.89bn) -0.48% vs ARS 62.68 trillion (19 Oct 2026)US$40.40bn -0.58% vs US$40.64bn (19 Oct 2026) 20 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 197
- Private depositsWhat it isTotal private sector deposits in the banking system.What it means for youDeposits fund bank lending and show trust in banks.How people use itAnalysts track peso and dollar deposits separately to read confidence and savings behaviour.Read moreDeposits at financial institutionsARS 249.16 trillion (about US$159.32bn) +0.33% vs ARS 248.35 trillion (20 Oct 2026)US$160.88bn +0.02% vs US$160.84bn (20 Oct 2026) 21 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 21
- Private loansWhat it isTotal bank loans to the private sector.What it means for youCredit growth fuels consumption and investment, and in Argentina credit is still small relative to the economy.How people use itBanks, businesses and investors use it to read the credit cycle and the outlook for financial stocks.Read moreLoans to the private sectorARS 148.96 trillion (about US$95.25bn) +0.41% vs ARS 148.35 trillion (20 Oct 2026)US$96.18bn +0.11% vs US$96.08bn (20 Oct 2026) 21 Oct 2026 · BCRA statistics API, series 26
Themes
Sources are linked on each indicator page. Market quotes for the MEP, CCL, blue, crypto, card and Banco Nación dollars come from dolarapi.com and history from ArgentinaDatos, both free public aggregators; official series come straight from the BCRA statistics API and the national series API at datos.gob.ar. Information only, not investment advice.