Argentina : Second Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement and Request for Waivers of Nonobservance and Applicability of Performance Criteria

Sound macroeconomic policies are key to improving market sentiment and smoothing the political transition. Implementation of structural reforms has been disappointing. The introduction of a further stay on mortgage foreclosures sends a highly negative signal about the protection of creditor rights. Continuation of a prudent fiscal policy will be the first challenge for the new administration. A cautious easing of monetary policy appears warranted given recent price and exchange rate trends. The new administration faces enormous challenges in advancing toward an appropriately comprehensive structural reform program.