(MENAFN- The Rio Times) In a week marked by turbulence in global equities, Colombia's financial markets stood out as a rare bright spot, with the peso holding firm against the dollar and the benchmark COLCAP index extending its upward march.

The Colombian peso closed at 3,861.99 per US dollar, a modest but symbolic 0.12% gain, as local fundamentals and improved investor sentiment offset pressures from falling oil prices and a cautious Federal Reserve.

Meanwhile, the MSCI COLCAP index rose 0.43% to 1,656.79, led by a surge in consumer and energy stocks, even as Wall Street's tech-heavy Nasdaq suffered its worst session in months.

The peso's resilience comes amid a broader emerging-market rally, fueled by shifting capital flows and easing political uncertainties.

ETFs focused on Colombian assets saw $7 million in inflows over the past 24 hours, while dollar-denominated funds experienced outflows, signaling renewed confidence in the Andean nation's economic prospects.



Market analysts attribute the currency's stability to a combination of high interest rates-held at 9.25% to combat inflation-and rumors of fiscal discipline under the current administration, a welcome contrast to the spending excesses that have plagued other left-leaning governments in the region.

With inflation easing to 5.18% and remittances hitting record highs, the peso has found support despite Brent crude's 0.7% overnight dip to $64.44, a critical export revenue stream.

Colombian equities, often overshadowed by larger regional peers, continued their steady climb, buoyed by attractive valuations and foreign demand. The COLCAP 's price-to-earnings ratio of 7.4x remains well below historical averages, drawing bargain hunters.

Top gainers included Almacenes Éxito, which soared 19.4% on robust consumer spending, and Ecopetrol, up 5.2% as energy stocks benefited from a brief rebound in global oil markets.



Grupo Argos, Organizacion Terpel, and Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana also posted solid gains, reflecting broad-based strength.

However, financials lagged, with Bancolombia's preferred shares dropping 3.82% and its common stock falling 2.84%, weighed down by concerns over loan growth in a high-rate environment. Utilities and materials sectors also underperformed, dragging down Grupo Bolívar and cement producers.

Technical trends underscore the market's bullish undertone. The COLCAP index remains above key moving averages, with momentum indicators pointing to further upside if resistance at 1,670 is breached.

In currency markets, the peso's ability to hold below the psychologically important 3,880 level against the dollar suggests traders are betting on continued stability, a stark contrast to the volatility seen in other commodity-dependent economies where leftist policies have spooked investors.

The dollar index's struggle to break above 100, despite safe-haven demand, has further eased pressure on the peso, which has benefited from Colombia's relatively orthodox monetary policy.

Yet challenges persist. Persistent inflation and the central bank's hawkish stance could dampen corporate earnings, while global risk appetite remains fragile.

The Fed's cautious approach to rate cuts-markets now price just one more 25-basis-point reduction this year-keeps the dollar supported, capping gains for emerging-market currencies.

Still, Colombia's ability to attract foreign capital, even as neighbors grapple with capital flight, highlights its growing appeal as a haven of stability in a region often roiled by political and economic experimentation.

As investors look ahead, the focus will remain on fiscal discipline and the government's ability to navigate external headwinds without resorting to the populist measures that have undermined confidence elsewhere.

For now, Colombia's markets are offering a masterclass in resilience, proving that sound fundamentals and investor-friendly policies can weather even the stormiest global conditions. Whether this momentum can be sustained will depend on maintaining the very policies that have set it apart.

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