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Venezuela getting new currency

CARACAS, Venezuela, March 31 (UPI) -- Venezuela will introduce a dual currency to alleviate pressure from a devalued bolivar and record-high inflation, a government financial adviser said.

"The intention is to finish with the parallel market and instead allow the dollar to trade through a global bond on the local stock market, transparently and freely," said an adviser to the Venezuelan finance minister on condition of anonymity.

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The bolivar was devalued about 100 percent against the dollar in 2007, which in turn prompted a 22.5 percent rise in inflation during the same period, The Financial Times reported online Monday.

"Basically we are getting into a dual currency, thus avoiding having to announce a devaluation," said Finance Minister Rafael Isea.

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