Poor outlook drives fiscal expansion in Argentina
Significance Soon after taking office, President Mauricio Macri announced a "rain of new investments" from foreign companies attracted by the business-friendly tone set by his administration. Despite key economic policy measures, such as the removal of foreign exchange controls, the unfreezing of utilities tariffs and the agreement with holdout creditors, there have been no signs of significant medium- or long-term foreign investment inflows, raising doubts over Macri's promise of an economic rebound in the second half. Impacts Expansionary measures will make it harder to achieve fiscal goals, especially as tax collection is rising at rates well below inflation. While the downturn may ease inflation, the temptation to use the exchange rate as a nominal anchor would worsen competitiveness problems. The government faces a difficult dilemma: expansionary measures will help it in mid-term elections, but delay economic stabilisation.