Stability of the Dollar in Egyptian Banks at 47.5 EGP

The US dollar maintains relative stability in the official Egyptian market today, Monday, but is recording its highest levels in weeks in the parallel market, amid heightened anticipation for the Monetary Policy Committee meeting scheduled for December 18, which may bring decisions regarding exchange rate adjustments or interest rate cuts. As of December 8, 2025, the exchange rates are as follows: - Central Bank of Egypt: 47.43 EGP (buying) / 47.56 EGP (selling) - National Bank of Egypt: 47.44 EGP (buying) / 47.54 EGP (selling) - Bank Misr: 47.45 EGP (buying) / 47.55 EGP (selling) - First Abu Dhabi Bank: 47.50 EGP (buying) / 47.60 EGP (selling) - Average official market: 47.44–47.46 EGP (buying) / 47.54–47.56 EGP (selling) The parallel market shows a buying price of 47.35–47.50 EGP and a selling price of 47.70–47.85 EGP, with an average price of 47.78 EGP, reflecting a rise of 15–20 piasters from the previous closing. The gap between the two markets has narrowed to 20–30 piasters, the smallest since May 2025, but still indicates a continued shortage of hard currency for private sector companies. Looking ahead, the December 18 meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee is crucial, with widespread expectations of a 100–200 basis point interest rate cut to stimulate growth, which might lead the central bank to allow a slight depreciation of the pound to maintain competitiveness. Ongoing negotiations with the IMF aim to increase funding from $3 billion to $10–12 billion, contingent on more flexibility in the exchange rate. Expected inflows from the sale of government assets and Gulf investments could reach $8–10 billion by the end of 2025. Analysts project the dollar to range between 47.5–48.5 EGP by the end of 2025 and possibly exceed 50 EGP by next year. The dollar is officially stable at 47.55 EGP but exceeds 47.80 EGP in the parallel market. The narrowing gap remains, and the next three weeks will be critical: stability may continue with only an interest rate cut, or we may see a new movement in the exchange rate pushing the dollar toward 50 EGP before the year ends.