July Crisis Update

July Crisis Update

Key Takeaways: The value of the Lebanese Pound (LBP) depreciated slightly against the US dollar (USD) throughout most of July and ended the month at about LBP 30,000. The depreciation appears to have been triggered by a decline in Sayrafa exchanges compared to...
June Crisis Update

June Crisis Update

Key Takeaways: Despite fluctuating throughout June, the Lebanese pound’s (LBP) value against the US Dollar (USD) did not sharply depreciate due to the Central Bank’s ongoing intervention via Circular 161. However, this period of relative stability is threatened by the...
May Crisis Update

May Crisis Update

Key Takeaways: Lebanon held national elections on May 15, the first since the country’s economic crisis began in 2019 and the August 2020 Beirut port blast. No parliamentary block or political alliance won a clear majority, unlike in the previous parliament....
April Crisis Update

April Crisis Update

Key Takeaways: The Lebanese Pound (LBP) depreciated in April to 27000, likely due to an increase in LBP in circulation and reduced Sayrafa injections. This possibly marks a shift in the Central Bank policy since January of stabilizing the LBP within the 20-25000...
March Crisis Update

March Crisis Update

Key Takeaways: The Lebanese pound’s (LBP) value against the US dollar (USD) declined in March, largely over concerns about how long Circular 161 will remain in force and multiple probes targeting the banking sector locally and internationally. Investigations into the...
February Crisis Update

February Crisis Update

Key Takeaways: The Lebanese Pound (LBP) was relatively stable throughout February after rebounding in January. It is unclear whether the Central Bank will be able to maintain the rate, especially in the face of declining reserves and a rising trade imbalance driven in...