Merval Dips as Commodities Weaken | Argentina Macro Daily

Date: March 16, 2026

Merval Dips as Commodities Weaken

Summary

Market Snapshot

AssetLevelChange
MERVAL2,642,584.25-1.96%
USD/ARS1,396.50+0.07%
YPF38.25-0.03%
MercadoLibre1,670.00-0.60%
Globant44.95-0.62%
Soybeans1,198.75-1.01%
Gold4,994.00-1.16%
Bitcoin73,112.62+0.44%

Prior Economic Events

Data Prior Cons Actual
No events available

Upcoming Economic Events

Data Prior Cons Time
No events available

Yesterday's Recap

Argentine markets closed lower on March 15, with the Merval index dropping 1.96% to 2,642,584.25, influenced by emerging market weakness and commodity price declines. The USD/ARS official rate increased 0.07% to 1,396.50, reflecting controlled dynamics under the BCRA's crawling peg, with parallel rates stable. YPF shares edged down 0.03% to 38.25, despite Vaca Muerta potential, as oil markets softened.MercadoLibre and Globant fell 0.60% to 1,670.00 and 0.62% to 44.95, respectively, tracking tech sector pressures. Soybeans decreased 1.01% to 1,198.75, impacting agro-exports, while gold dropped 1.16% to 4,994.00, diminishing reserve appeal. Bitcoin rose 0.44% to 73,112.62, providing some offset.No economic data was released, but markets responded to fiscal concerns and global uncertainty, including the cancelled Spain-Argentina Finalissima due to Middle East conflict.

The Day Ahead

March 16 has no scheduled economic releases or events in Argentina, per calendar data. Focus will be on global sentiment, especially US inflation indicators, which could affect Argentine bonds and stocks via spillover. Traders will watch BCRA reserve trends amid export inflows.Updates on Vaca Muerta energy projects may influence energy equities. Parallel peso movements could signal capital control shifts. Expect subdued trading unless commodity or oil volatility arises from external factors.

Other Economic Notes

Buenos Aires province has seen severe industrial decline, with 5,800 companies closing during the Milei era, accounting for nearly 30% of national closures. This affects multiple sectors, raising unemployment concerns amid austerity measures. Investors are employing "HALO" strategies amid black swan risks, reviving fears of political instability from the "old caste." Political tensions include reported government unease with former spokesperson Manuel Adorni, impacting Cabinet dynamics and the Milei siblings' cultural agenda.

Global Macro News

US economy shows slowing growth with new inflation shocks, as per PCE data indicating calm before potential storms, which may raise borrowing costs for Argentina. Fed faces challenges with persistent inflation, possibly delaying rate cuts and tightening dollar liquidity, complicating Argentine reserve accumulation. Oil and inflation dynamics could aid Vaca Muerta exports but increase peso import pressures.Emerging market bonds face deficit scrutiny, potentially widening Argentine sovereign spreads under IMF review. Commodity drops in soybeans and gold hurt agro and mining sectors, vital for FX. Geopolitical issues, like the Spain-Argentina Finalissima cancellation in Qatar due to Middle East war, heighten global risk aversion.These elements underscore vulnerabilities in Merval and ARS stability.

BCRA Watch

No new BCRA announcements emerged, but reserve management remains key amid commodity dips and export flows. The crawling peg holds at steady levels, supporting official USD/ARS stability and narrowing parallel gaps for IMF compliance. Moderating inflation trends suggest a hold on rates, with the committee maintaining current policy.Focus is on gradual FX adjustments if conditions improve, reducing devaluation risks. Vaca Muerta inflows are crucial for sustaining reserves, potentially bolstering bonds if IMF discussions advance.

Chart Data

Argentina FX Reserves | Type: macro_line | Reserves mln USD: 3.481e+04 (2026-01-01) | Range: 1.748e+04–4.257e+04 | Trend(6pt): 3.676e+04,3.915e+04,2.401e+04,2.319e+04,3.233e+04,3.481e+04
Soybeans Futures | Type: market_hloc | Soybeans: 1198 (2026-03-16) | Range: 1023–1213 | Trend(5pt): 1063,1047,1064,1134,1198
Merval Index | Type: market_hloc | Merval: 2.643e+06 (2026-03-13) | Range: 2.571e+06–3.244e+06 | Trend(5pt): 3.013e+06,3.075e+06,3.211e+06,2.763e+06,2.643e+06
Gold Futures | Type: market_hloc | Gold: 4993 (2026-03-16) | Range: 4304–5318 | Trend(5pt): 4304,4450,4714,5205,4993
USD/ARS FX Pair | Type: market_hloc | USD/ARS: 1396 (2026-03-16) | Range: 1369–1475 | Trend(6pt): 1438,1460,1445,1397,1395,1396

Source: https://robomacro.com/Research_Notes/Argentina_Macro_Daily/AR_Macro_Daily_20260316.html