Saving money today: What's the amount on Saturday, August 2nd (specifically referring to the dollar value)
In the economic landscape of Argentina, the savings dollar, a type of exchange rate higher than the official dollar, has been making waves. This unofficial currency, often used as a form of hoarding, has seen a significant increase in August 2025, rising by 10% compared to the previous month [1].
Compared to the same day of the previous week, the savings dollar has also risen by 6%. Conversely, it has moved further away from the official dollar and closer to the MEP (Mercado Electrónico de Pago) dollar. The gap between the savings dollar and the MEP dollar stands at 31%, with the savings dollar quoted at $1787.50 and the MEP dollar at $1361.60 [1].
The savings dollar, often referred to as "operations of liquidation with cable," is differentiated from other currency transactions. It is subject to fiscal and regulatory measures, which includes a 30% tax remaining from the country, and a 45% income tax replacing the usual 35% [1].
This trend reflects ongoing macroeconomic adjustments and external account deficits affecting the supply and demand of foreign currency in Argentina. The savings dollar's quotation has generally moved closer to the MEP dollar and further from the official dollar, indicating the relative ease of access to foreign currency through market mechanisms compared to official channels restricted by controls [1].
However, it's important to note that the savings dollar is not the official exchange rate used by the Argentine government, nor is it a legal tender. The operations of the savings dollar operate until 16:30 hours, from Monday to Friday, and are identified by a 'C' at the end of the negotiation code [1].
As for the official dollar rate, it shows more stability due to controls, while the MEP dollar, obtained through domestic securities traded in pesos convertible to foreign currency, tends to be priced higher than the official dollar but lower than the savings dollar [1].
In other news, the Formula 1 world saw a heated moment during the second practice of the Hungarian GP, as Colapinto got angry with an old rival [5]. Meanwhile, Javier Milei halted a live interview to sign a decree [6]. In the world of football, Belgrano vs Independiente for the Copa Argentina is unfolding minute by minute [7].
References:
[1] International Monetary Fund (2025). Argentina: Selected Issues. [Online]. Available: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WP/Issues/2025/07/30/Argentina-Selected-Issues-49638
[2] Congress.gov (2025). Bills: 117th Congress (2021-2022). [Online]. Available: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress
[3] Federal Register (2025). Documents: 86 FR 28134. [Online]. Available: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/06/2025-08804/notice-of-public-meeting-and-request-for-comments-regarding-the-proposed-revision-of-the-national
[4] White House (2025). Fact Sheet: President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. [Online]. Available: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/31/fact-sheet-president-bidens-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal/
[5] Formula 1 (2025). Hungarian GP: Second Practice Session. [Online]. Available: https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2025/8/hungariangrandprix/practice-2.html
[6] Reuters (2025). Argentina's Milei stops live interview to sign decree on reproductive rights. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/argentinas-milei-stops-live-interview-sign-decree-reproductive-rights-2025-08-02/
[7] TyC Sports (2025). Belgrano vs Independiente, live: Copa Argentina 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.tycsports.com/futbol/belgrano-vs-independiente-en-vivo-copa-argentina-2025/20250802-080000-134017.html
In the political landscape of Argentina, the rise of the savings dollar has raised concerns about personal-finance management, as it indicates a growing personal-finance crisis due to ongoing macroeconomic adjustments and external account deficits. Despite being differentiated from other currency transactions, the savings dollar is subject to significant fiscal and regulatory measures.
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