The central bank accumulated roughly US$13 billion in gross reserves during the nearly seven-month buying streak. —Gross reserves level. Argentina’s central bank ended its historic dollar-buying streak on Tuesday, pausing after 135 consecutive sessions of purchases that added US$13 billion to reserves, just days after the IMF chief visited Buenos Aires and praised the accumulation programme. The Merval stock index rose 0.65 percent to 3,305,316 points on the pause day, as markets digested the tactical shift without alarm. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy did Argentina’s central bank pause its dollar-buying streak?