As of 7:02 AM GMT on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the USD/COP exchange rate stands at 4,122.01, representing a 1.19% weakening for the peso from yesterday’s close of 4,073.25.
This reversal comes after several days of peso strength, challenging market expectations of continued appreciation. Tuesday’s trading session witnessed remarkable peso strength, with the USD/COP rate falling sharply from 4,116.58 to 4,073.25.
This represents a significant 0.93% appreciation for the Colombian currency. The pair experienced notable volatility, fluctuating between 4,125.00 and 4,070.50 before settling at 4,073.25 at market close.
Trading volumes reached approximately 155 million USD equivalent, notably higher than the typical 100-120 million daily average.
Overnight Developments
Asian trading hours saw a substantial reversal of the peso’s gains, with volumes reaching approximately 130-145 million USD equivalent. The pair steadily climbed overnight, reaching the current level of 4,122.01 as European markets opened, effectively erasing most of Tuesday’s peso gains.
Market Analysis and Commentary
“Yesterday’s perfect storm for peso strength has quickly dissipated,” notes Carlos Vega, FX Analyst at Global Markets Institute. “The combination of profit-taking after recent gains and renewed dollar strength globally has pushed the USD/COP pair back above the psychologically important 4,100 level”.
Peso Reversal: Colombian Currency Retreats 1.19% as USD/COP Hits 4,122. (Photo Internet reproduction)
Technical indicators suggest a changing market sentiment, with the pair now trading above its 50-day moving average of 4,109.80. The 14-day RSI has climbed from 58.30 yesterday to approximately 64.20 today, moving closer to overbought territory.
Market Drivers
Several key factors are driving today’s market movements:
Oil Price Correction: After yesterday’s rally, oil prices have retreated slightly, with WTI crude falling to $73.85, reducing support for the commodity-linked peso.
US Economic Outlook: Stronger-than-expected US manufacturing data released late yesterday has bolstered the dollar broadly.
ETF Flows: Colombian equity ETFs have seen modest outflows of approximately $23 million in the past 24 hours, indicating waning international investor interest after yesterday’s strong inflows.
Central Bank Speculation: Market rumors suggest Banco de la República may be more hawkish than previously expected at its upcoming meeting, which could provide future support for the peso.
Market Maker Insights
“We’re seeing consistent selling pressure on the peso this morning with bid-ask spreads widening to 4,120/4,124 from yesterday’s tighter range,” states Juan Morales, senior market analyst at Bancolombia. “Volumes are already reaching 80 million USD equivalent just in the first two hours of trading.”
JPMorgan’s emerging markets desk reports: “The current quotations stand at 4,121/4,123 with reduced liquidity compared to yesterday. Institutional clients who bought pesos yesterday are showing profit-taking behavior”.
Technical Analysis
The USD/COP pair has broken above the key resistance level of 4,100, which had been holding for the past two sessions. Support is now seen at 4,078.30, yesterday’s low, with resistance at 4,130, followed by stronger resistance at 4,152.76, last seen on March 12.
The moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator has turned positive, suggesting potential for further dollar strength in the short term. The pair is currently trading above both its 20-day moving average of 4,101.35 and 50-day moving average of 4,109.80.
Market Outlook
Analysts remain divided on the peso’s near-term prospects. “While we’re seeing a correction today, the fundamental case for peso strength remains intact given Colombia’s improved economic outlook,” comments Maria Rodriguez, Chief Currency Strategist at Bogotá Capital.
The current market consensus suggests the USD/COP pair could fluctuate between 4,075 and 4,150 through the end of March, with technicals suggesting a short-term bias toward dollar strength.
Traders will closely monitor tomorrow’s Colombian trade balance figures and upcoming statements from Federal Reserve officials. These could provide further direction for this volatile currency pair in the days ahead.