The Chilean peso is trading at 918.27 CLP per USD as of this morning (March 20, 2025), showing a marginal increase from yesterday’s close.
This represents the second consecutive day of the peso trading below the psychological 920 mark, maintaining its position as one of the stronger performing Latin American currencies this week.
On Wednesday, March 19, the peso strengthened to close against the greenback, continuing its appreciation trend that began last week. This represented a modest gain from Tuesday’s close, with the currency briefly touching a stronger level during mid-day trading before settling slightly weaker.
Market Commentary and Analysis
The peso’s recent strength can be attributed to several key factors. Primarily, copper prices have stabilized, providing fundamental support for the Chilean currency. As the world’s largest copper producer, Chile’s economic outlook and currency valuation maintain a strong correlation with the industrial metal.
“The peso continues to display remarkable resilience despite global market uncertainty,” noted Marco Vergara, FX strategist at Banco de Chile. “With copper holding steady and domestic inflation showing signs of moderation, we’re seeing increased confidence in Chilean assets.”
Chilean Peso Holds Strong – Trends and Outlook for March 20, 2025. (Photo Internet reproduction)
The central bank’s decision to maintain its policy interest rate has also supported the currency, offering an attractive yield differential against major currencies. Inflation, which reached a peak in late 2024, is now showing clear signs of trending toward the central bank’s target, further bolstering investor confidence.
Trading Volumes and Flows
Today’s morning session has seen moderate trading activity with institutional investors being net buyers of Chilean peso. Foreign exchange ETFs tracking Latin American currencies have reported modest inflows into peso-denominated assets.
Technical Analysis
From a technical perspective, the USD/CLP pair is currently trading near the lower end of its recent range. The 920 level has emerged as an important psychological resistance point, while support has formed around a lower level. The currency pair has been trading within a defined range, with the current level suggesting potential for consolidation.
“The momentum indicators are showing slightly oversold conditions on hourly charts,” explains Patricia Núñez, senior technical analyst at Santiago Capital. “We could see some range-bound trading between key levels as the market digests recent gains.”
Market Outlook
Looking ahead, the USD/CLP exchange rate is expected to fluctuate based on global economic conditions. Strong commodity prices and the central bank‘s commitment to inflation targeting could provide continued support.
Market participants remain focused on today’s Federal Reserve announcement, which could significantly impact dollar strength across emerging markets. Additionally, Chile’s GDP data showed stronger-than-expected annual growth, exceeding consensus forecasts, which has provided fundamental support for the currency.
The expected global policy easing cycle anticipated later this year could provide additional support for the peso, with some analysts projecting appreciation if commodity prices remain favorable.