Peru's net international reserves, which help the country preserve economic and financial stability, totaled US$ 59.5 billion in the week ended July 22, the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCR) reported.
According to BCR’s Weekly Economic Report, reserves were mainly made up of liquidity international assets.
This level of reserves is equivalent to 29% of the country’s gross domestic product.
Likewise, it is equivalent to 18 months of imports, and the highest among the Pacific Alliance economies, which is an important financial support for the Peruvian economy.
International reserves guarantee the foreign currency availability in unusual situations that might occur due to external shocks resulting in eventual and possible withdrawals of foreign currency deposits and a subsequent capital flight from the financial system.
Also, an adequate availability of foreign exchange reserves helps reduce the country-risk with the subsequent improvement of the country credit ratings and better conditions to expand foreign investment in the country.
International reserves are particularly important in a context of globalization of international markets, reduction of barriers to capital flows and volatility of financial, foreign exchange and metal markets.
(END) JCC/JCC/RMB
Published: 8/1/2015