Scott Bessent signaled that the U.S. is prepared to support Argentina amid its economic crisis, viewing the country as a key ally in Latin America.
He outlined possible measures—such as swap lines, dollar purchases, and using the Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund to buy Argentine debt—showing Washington’s seriousness. The support is linked to President Javier Milei’s reform agenda, which Bessent praises for its focus on fiscal discipline and growth. U.S. backing could stabilize the peso, restore investor confidence, and counter China’s influence in the region. However, it carries risks: taxpayer exposure, Argentina’s history of failed reforms, and the danger of dependency. Bessent stressed that U.S. aid will only come with expectations of real follow-through from Buenos Aires, making success dependent on Argentina’s political and economic discipline. Source: StockMarket.news
UBS Ukraine Reconstruction Index hit a fresh ATH on Trump peace push.
Top gainers in the index include: Ferrexpo (+20%), Raiffeisen Bank (+12%), Wienerberger (+9.5%), CRH (+7%). Source: HolgerZ, Bloomberg
Emerging markets $EEM are breaking out to 3-year highs.
Source: Ross J Brown RJB Financial Direction Limited
A clean multi decade breakout?
Source: The Long View, @HayekAndKeynes
This is EM currency performance versus the Dollar in 2024. The 3 worst performers are: (i) Argentina's Peso; (ii) Brazil's Real; (iii) Russia's Ruble.
Source: Bloomberg, Robin Brooks
The Ratio of Emerging Markets to US Equities is now at an all-time low, breaking below the prior low from March 1999.
Source: Charlie Bilello
Meanwhile: Very significant upward revision in the real GDP forecast for Brazil this last month.
Source: Tavi Costa, Bloomberg
The come-back of emerging markets equities?
We just witnessed the 2nd largest weekly inflow to EM equity funds ever according to BofA / EPFR fund flows data. Among the tailwinds for EM equities: weaker dollar, Fed cutting rates, room for EM central banks to ease monetary policy conditions, China stimulus and cheap valuations. Source: BofA, @ackmeni on X
