Colombian Peso Plunges Amid Political Turmoil and Oil Woes
The Colombian peso trades at 4,163.20 against the U.S. dollar this morning, March 20, 2025, dealers report from trading floors. This drop follows a turbulent day yesterday, sparked by whispers of the Finance Minister’s possible exit.
Political uncertainty grips Colombia, unsettling investors and driving the peso down from 4,130 yesterday morning. Yesterday, the peso weakens as oil prices slump, hitting the nation’s export-driven economy hard.
Brent crude futures slide below key levels, dragging the currency to 4,150 by day’s end, traders note. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar flexes strength globally, fueled by expectations of tighter Federal Reserve policies, adding pressure overnight.
Volumes stay steady at 120 million dollars in the spot market, market makers observe, despite the chaos. Rumors swirl about a cabinet shake-up, with some predicting a new minister might tighten fiscal policy soon. Others warn delays could deepen the peso’s troubles, keeping traders on edge.
The market buzzes with quotes from insiders as the peso slips further. One dealer pegs the rate at 4,162.50–4,163.90, citing thin liquidity and choppy trading ahead. ETF flows tell a grim tale: 15 million dollars exit peso funds this week, shifting to dollar assets instead.
Technically, the peso breaches its 50-day average of 4,120, signaling more declines, analysts say. Resistance looms at 4,180, while support at 4,130 barely holds, hinting at a tense day. The RSI nears 60, showing the dollar’s push but not yet overdone, they add.
Behind the numbers lies Colombia’s struggle with oil and politics, a story gripping business minds. A strong dollar and weak crude prices batter the peso, yet political clarity could shift the tide. Traders watch U.S. jobless claims and Bogotá’s next move closely today.
Transitioning to the bigger picture, Colombia’s central bank holds rates at 9.5%, set late last year, offering little relief. Investors brace for volatility, knowing oil’s rebound or a stable government could steady the ship. For now, the peso’s fate hangs on news from the capital and beyond.
This tale of currency and crisis captivates markets, blending hard data with human stakes. Businesses weigh risks as Colombia navigates this stormy stretch, eyes fixed on the peso’s next step.
More: Colombia news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Live Market IntelligenceColombia — Live Market Board
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Colombia — Live Market Board
+1.65%
188,268.59
+1.42%
64,106.82
-1.09%
11,238.63
-1.16%
3,157,852
+1.53%
2,626.71
+1.65%
60,702.89
-2.19%
| Instrument | Last | Change | YoY | Prev. | High | Low | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COLCAP | 2,626.71 | +1.65% | — | 9.04 | 9.05 | 9.02 | 4,133 |
| USD/COP | 3,140 | +0.03% | -22.04% | 3,139 | 3,141 | 3,105 | — |
| BRENT | 88.88 | -0.03% | +34.42% | 88.91 | 90.07 | 88.12 | 29,713 |
| WTI | 83.11 | -0.11% | +31.57% | 83.20 | 84.35 | 82.40 | 166,848 |
| ECOPETROL | 16.92 | -0.53% | +98.01% | 17.01 | 17.05 | 16.79 | 737,591 |
| BANCOLOMBIA | 95.87 | -2.18% | +96.15% | 98.01 | 100.36 | 95.73 | 188,740 |
| GRUPO AVAL | 5.40 | +2.66% | +76.89% | 5.26 | 5.49 | 5.32 | 146,447 |
| TECNOGLASS | 42.30 | -1.10% | -48.04% | 42.77 | 42.73 | 42.05 | 60,908 |
| CREDICORP | 375.17 | -0.49% | +49.60% | 377.00 | 384.43 | 372.27 | 88,375 |
| BUENAVENTURA | 34.45 | -1.02% | +88.07% | 34.80 | 35.62 | 34.33 | 275,831 |
| SOUTHERN COPPER | 193.97 | -0.26% | +104.01% | 194.48 | 199.36 | 192.59 | 367,102 |
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