Signal to markets: Argentina buys back foreign debt

Argentina will buy back over US$1 billion worth of foreign bonds to improve the South American country’s debt profile.

This was announced by Economy Minister Sergio Massa on Wednesday (18th) to send a positive signal to the markets despite low reserves.

The measure will focus on government bonds maturing in 2029 and 2030, the minister added.

The program is set to begin immediately as the country seeks to capitalize on a “window of opportunity” after a debt risk index recently fell.

The unusual move, which Massa said could help improve the country’s access to capital markets, comes as Argentina is struggling to replenish its foreign exchange reserves, contain rampant inflation and shore up the flagging peso.

“This is a first step,” Massa reiterated, adding that the government is targeting short-dated bonds after the closely-watched sovereign risk index fell over 1,000 basis points from its peak in mid-last year.

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