YEREVAN, October 12. /ARKA/. Armenia’s financial agenda last week covered inflation trends, capital market activity, new bank bond issuances, and cross-border remittances. Also in focus were government debt parameters and the financing of social obligations.
1. Inflation: Annual rate fell to 4.3% in September
According to data published on October 5 by the Statistical Committee of Armenia, 12-month inflation in September stood at 4.3%, down from 4.4% in August. Thus, the annual rate of consumer price growth slowed by 0.1 percentage points.
The decline in annual inflation—while it remains above the Central Bank’s target level—characterizes the current pricing environment in which financial institutions shape interest rate policies and assess the cost of long-term obligations.
2. Currency market: Dollar and euro strengthened; ruble exchange rate remained virtually unchanged
According to the Central Bank of Armenia, the US dollar exchange rate rose from 361.81 drams to 361.93 drams between October 5 and 9. The euro strengthened from 405.3 to 405.58 drams. The Russian ruble exchange rate remained virtually unchanged, edging up from 4.2671 drams to 4.2677 drams.
Major currencies showed mixed performance throughout the week. The minor net changes in exchange rates, despite intra-week fluctuations, may reflect the dram’s relative stability against major foreign currencies. For banks and companies with foreign currency liabilities, managing foreign currency liquidity and accounting for exchange rate fluctuations during settlements remain key priorities.
3. Capital Market: AMX Market Capitalization Reaches AMD 352.4 Billion
On October 6, the Armenia Securities Exchange (AMX) released its trading results for September 2026. Equity market capitalization stood at approximately AMD 352.4 billion, with a trading volume of around AMD 143 million. Corporate bond trading volume exceeded AMD 15.4 billion, marking a 56% year-on-year increase. In the primary market, the volume of government bond placement auctions surpassed AMD 45.4 billion, while secondary market turnover for government bonds exceeded AMD 44.8 billion—a 129% increase compared to September of the previous year.
These figures highlight the significant role debt instruments play in exchange activity. For investors and financial institutions, the government and corporate bond market remains a primary segment for capital allocation and investment portfolio management.
4. Bank Bonds: Unibank Expands Issuance of Perpetual Debt Instruments
On October 7, Unibank announced a new issuance of perpetual bonds denominated in Armenian drams, totaling AMD 3 billion with an annual coupon yield of 13.2%. The placement period runs until December 4, 2026. Concurrently, previously issued Unibank perpetual bonds with a total nominal value of AMD 6.9 billion were listed on the AMX. New bond issues and the admission of bonds to exchange trading could expand the supply of bank securities denominated in the national currency and create additional opportunities for raising long-term financing.
5. Remittances: Net inflows to Armenia doubled over eight months
According to the Central Bank of Armenia, the net inflow of cross-border remittances from individuals via the banking system totaled approximately $1.8 billion in January–August 2026, compared to $889.3 million during the same period last year.
For the banking system, cross-border remittances remain a significant component of payment transactions and currency flows. The increase in net inflows may reflect a widening surplus in personal remittances and is a factor considered when analyzing foreign currency liquidity.
6. Public debt: Ministry of Finance outlines medium-term debt burden parameters
On October 7, Armenian Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan stated that the republic’s public debt would remain below 50% of GDP in the medium term. The statement was made amidst preparations for the 2027 budget parameters.
For banks and institutional investors, public debt parameters are relevant when assessing the supply of government securities, debt sustainability, and the composition of investment portfolios.
7. Public finances: Government allocates 40.8 billion drams for pension and social payments
On October 8, the Armenian government decided to allocate 40.8 billion drams to fund pension and social payments for the fourth quarter of 2026.
This allocation is linked to the fulfillment of state social obligations and the securing of funding for the corresponding budget expenditures. For the financial sector, this decision ensures budget funding for relevant payment transactions, which are significant for serving the population and facilitating the flow of funds within the banking system.
Weekly Summary
Armenia’s financial market saw active trading in the debt instrument segment over the past week. The macroeconomic agenda focused on inflation, cross-border transfers, and parameters of public finances.
Market participants remain focused on the conditions for raising capital, consumer price dynamics, and the implementation of fiscal reforms.
