Propping Up the Argentinian Peso

In September, the peso reached 1,475 per U.S. dollar, approaching the upper limit of its flexible exchange rate band. Argentina’s central bank, using scarce reserves to support the peso, is backing the President’s anti-inflation strategy, increasing the likelihood the band will be replaced with a more flexible exchange rate system.—economist.com

China’s Trade Balance with the World

China’s exports rose 4.8% and imports fell 3.4% in May from a year earlier.—cnbc.com The 1993 Trade Deficit with the World The last time China maintained a trade deficit with the world was in 1993.—macrotrends.net China’s Government Sector Balance in 2024 China had a budget deficit of 7.7% of GDP in 2024.—reuters.com

Russia’s Ruble Hits a 17-Month Low

The Russian currency, the ruble, has lost nearly 40% of its value this year, further weakened by the drop in exports, combined with a jump in imports driven by strong domestic demand. Maxim Oreshkin, an economic adviser to Russian President Putin, blamed the central bank for the currency’s depreciation.—cnn.com

Yen’s Decline vs U.S. Dollar Rapid

The yen's depreciation against the dollar reflects Japan’s widening interest rate gap with the United States. Japan intervened last year to stop the yen's fall but has since refrained from further action. Vice finance minister, Masato Kanda says stepping into the foreign exchange market again has not been ruled out.—kyodonews.net