The retail dollar in Argentina has experienced a significant drop, recently reaching $1,395 at Banco Nación, the lowest it's been in four months. This decline, amounting to 15 pesos from the previous day, mirrors the trends in the wholesale dollar segment, which has also decreased to $1,385, a level not seen since before the elections in October. The current rates are a striking 16% lower than the previous peak of $1,595 in the currency market.

As of early 2026, the dollar has fallen by 5% in nominal terms, but when factoring in inflation—which hit 2.9% in January and is projected to remain at a similar level this month—the real decline is more pronounced. This situation highlights the volatility of the Argentine peso and the challenges posed by ongoing inflationary pressures, which continue to affect the purchasing power of citizens.

The drop in the dollar's value is largely attributed to what's being termed a 'summer exchange calm', linked to an increase in foreign currency inflow from debt placements by both corporations and the government. This influx helps to support the peso, at least temporarily, as the economy navigates the complexities stemming from both local and global financial pressures.