Latam currencies gain as markets balance Iran escalation and ceasefire chances

BRASILIA: Most Latin American currencies advanced on Monday, while stocks were mixed after reports of progress on a ceasefire between the US and Iran helped revive risk appetite worldwide as traders returned after a long weekend break.

A framework to end hostilities has been put together by Pakistan and exchanged with Iran and the US overnight, a source aware of the proposals told Reuters.

However, some of the risk appetite tapered off after Iran’s official IRNA news agency said Iran conveyed its response to the proposal and is rejecting a ceasefire and emphasizing the necessity of a permanent end to the war.

Trump is also set to speak about the ceasefire proposal at a press conference at 1 p.m. ET (1800 GMT), a White House official told Reuters. He has said the Tuesday deadline he has set for Iran to make a deal is final.

“Geopolitical tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz are driving energy supply disruptions, market volatility and urgent diplomatic efforts, with ceasefire talks offering limited near-term clarity,” said Bob Savage, head of markets macro strategy at BNY.

Trading in most Latin American countries picks up on Monday after most regional markets were closed for the Good Friday holiday, with most currencies appreciating against a globally weaker dollar.

The Mexican peso led the bounce across the region, appreciating 0.4 percent against the dollar to its highest in more than 10 days, while Brazil’s real inched 0.1 percent higher.

Peru’s sol ticked 0.8 percent higher in light volume ahead of a local interest rate decision later this week where the country’s central bank is widely expected to hold its main lending rate steady.