$210 million increase in
foreign currency reserves

Speculation led to demand on lira

fulled by ceasefire and elections

Following the cease fire with Israel and the election of President Joseph Aoun, the Central Bank (BDL) has reported an increase in its foreign currency reserves. Acting Governor Wassim Manssouri stated that the reserves grew by approximately $210 million, attributing this improvement to positive institutional developments that have encouraged increased foreign engagement with Lebanon.

The increase bring the total to $10.35 billion

Rumors, later dispelled by the Central Bank, that the exchange rate will improve in favor of the lira, have fueled demand on the local currency – which in turn led to the increase in BDL’s reserves.

Prior to this, during the conflict with Israel, BDL’s foreign currency reserves experienced a decline after a strong beginning. Between the end of September and mid-November 2024, the reserves fell by approximately $468 million, decreasing to $10.19 billion. This reduction was primarily due to the escalation of military confrontations during that period.

Over the fourth quarter of 2024, the reserves increased by $530 million to reach US$ 10,135 million at the end of the year.