Blue dollar in Bahía Blanca: on Tuesday, it recorded mixed quotes in the parallel market

The blue dollar in Bahía Blanca experienced significant movements on Tuesday, reflecting the characteristic volatility of the informal Buenos Aires market. In the city of Buenos Aires province, the parallel exchange rate traded between $1,485 and $1,505 for selling, while in other segments of the parallel market, fluctuations were pronounced, with values reaching $1,515 in specialized operations.

Analysis of the gap between official and parallel markets

The official dollar rate, controlled by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA), closed on Tuesday at $1,410 for buying and $1,460 for selling at Banco Nación. This figure contrasts sharply with the blue dollar in Bahía Blanca and surrounding areas, where demand for foreign currency in the informal market maintains constant pressure.

The difference between both rates reflects restrictions in the official market and some sectors’ preference for alternative channels. While since April 2025 there are no limits to buying dollars with banked money, the monthly cap of US$100 for cash purchases at the counter remains, driving the search for options in the parallel market.

Specialized rates: MEP, CCL, and card

Beyond the blue dollar in Bahía Blanca and the informal market, there are other quotation methods that operators constantly monitor. The MEP dollar was at $1,470.65, while the dollar for settlement (CCL) reached $1,515.11. These rates, involving the buying and selling of stocks or debt securities in pesos followed by their sale in international markets, reflect different dynamics from the parallel market.

Meanwhile, the card dollar, used for foreign currency payments, was at $1,898 after the elimination of the PAIS tax, now calculated with a 30% perception on account of Income Tax based on the retail rate.

BCRA monetary policies: a new floating scheme

The Central Bank announced a new phase of its monetary program starting January 1, 2026, focused on two main pillars. The fluctuation regime within bands will evolve monthly according to the latest inflation data reported by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC), generating greater exchange rate flexibility.

At the same time, the BCRA will initiate a program to accumulate international reserves considering money demand and liquidity in the foreign exchange market. These measures aim to stabilize the blue dollar in Bahía Blanca and other areas, as well as strengthen national reserves.

Other assets: Brazilian real, Bitcoin, and country risk

The Brazilian currency is traded at $263 for buying and $278 for selling according to Banco Nación. In the cryptocurrency space, Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at US$68,020, consolidating as the most important digital currency worldwide.

The country risk indicator compiled by JP Morgan reached 563 points on Tuesday, signaling market perceptions of Argentina’s solvency. This indicator, along with the evolution of the blue dollar in Bahía Blanca and other cities, serves as a thermometer of investor sentiment.

Inflation outlook and its effects on rates

December 2025 inflation reached 2.8%, with an accumulated increase of 31.5% last year, the lowest in eight years. This inflation performance directly impacts pressure on the dollar, including the blue dollar in Bahía Blanca, where demand for foreign currency also responds to expectations about price trends.

Trading hours are crucial for operators: the official dollar closes at 3 p.m. on business days, while the informal blue dollar, with no officially defined opening and closing times, usually ends its trading round between 3 and 4 p.m. The reference value of the parallel market is known later, between 11 and 11:30 a.m. the following day, when financial institutions and exchange houses in the Buenos Aires financial district provide updated quotes.