International Monetary Reserves have reached highest historical levels, at over USD 6 bn (and expected to reach close to USD 7 bn in 2012), which represents an important liquidity cushion for the Guatemalan economy as well as a good signal to the international markets and credit rating agencies.
The banking credit to the private sector has increased, mainly the credit in foreign currency due to lower international interest rates as well as the higher Guatemalan industrial activity experienced in 2011. The main funding of the credit in foreign currency has been commercial lines of credit from American banks. The Economic Activity Confidence Index is improving, particularly in the most recent months.