(Jan 10): Argentines are turning more optimistic about the future of their nation’s beleaguered economy, a shift that stands to embolden austerity-minded President Javier Milei ahead of mid-term elections later this year.

Nearly half of Argentines — 49% — said in December that they expect the economy to improve over the next six months, an eight-point increase from October, according to LatAm Pulse, a survey conducted by AtlasIntel for Bloomberg News. The share that expects it to worsen fell to 39% from 53% two months prior.

While only 19% currently rate the economy as good, it is the first LatAm Pulse survey in which the number of Argentines expressing a positive outlook about the next six months has exceeded those expecting worse times ahead.

A growing sense among consumers that the coming months won’t be as bad as once thought is among the factors fuelling the optimism. The number of Argentines who said they expect to make fewer purchases over the next six months fell to 43% in December from 57% in October.

Milei is entering 2025 with momentum on his side that the more positive outlook is set to fortify, potentially bolstering his political strength ahead of legislative elections later this year. 

Argentina exited a brutal recession in the third quarter of 2024, and economic activity is picking up while inflation continues to cool. The central bank last week unveiled a US$1 billion (RM4.50 billion) repurchase agreement with five international lenders, including some Wall Street banks, a vote of confidence from markets. Milei is also anticipating additional support from the US once President-elect Donald Trump takes office later in January.

The libertarian president’s approval rating remained steady at 47% in December, the poll found.

AtlasIntel surveyed 1,842 people in Argentina between Dec 27 and 31. The poll has a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.

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