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Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

Senior Editor, Economy An award-winning financial journalist and analyst, Daniel brings sharp insight to economic trends, markets, and policy shifts. He is recognized for breaking complex topics into clear, actionable reports for readers and investors alike.

Economy

Dollar Exchange Rates in Argentina: Blue, Official, MEP & CCL – February 14, 2026

by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy
written by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

The official retail exchange rate for the U.S. Dollar in Argentina reached 1,420 pesos for sale at the Banco Nación (BNA) as of February 13, 2026, according to reports. This marks a five-peso increase from previous levels, following a slight uptick in the wholesale dollar rate.

The average exchange rate reported by the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA) places the dollar at 1,420.64 pesos for sale. The BCRA calculates these reference rates by weighting the exchange rates reported by adhering entities based on their participation in retail sales over the three preceding calendar months, as outlined in Communication B 9791.

In the wholesale segment, which serves as the market benchmark, the dollar is currently trading at 1,399.50 pesos. The unofficial “blue” dollar is being traded at 1,420 pesos for purchase and 1,440 pesos for sale, according to reports from currency exchange houses in Buenos Aires.

Other dollar rates include the Cash-Settled (CCL) at 1,473.06 pesos, creating a 5.3% gap with the official rate. The MEP dollar is trading at 1,423.60 pesos, with a 1.7% difference from the official rate. The “tourist” dollar, which includes a 30% surcharge applicable to income tax deductions, is currently at 1,846 pesos.

The cryptocurrency dollar, or Bitcoin dollar, is valued at 1,469.13 pesos, as reported by Bitso. Bitcoin itself is trading at $69,487, according to Binance.

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Economy

Global Demand Drives Need for Scalable Defense Systems

by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy
written by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

PAINTED POST, NY – Global demand for advanced defense systems is driving rapid growth at Evolved Aerospace, a company specializing in AI-enabled aircraft and mission systems. The company, founded and led by Mikael Taveniku, anticipates more than a tenfold increase in revenue in 2026, projecting approximately 65 million euros compared to an estimated 5 million euros in 2025.

Taveniku, a veteran of over 40 years in international defense programs, attributes the surge in interest to a shift in how militaries approach procurement. “Customers are demanding more complete solutions,” he said. “The focus is moving from individual products to cohesive systems that function effectively in real-world scenarios.”

Evolved Aerospace designs autonomous mission platforms, including the Muotse M200, M400, and SkyGhost systems, capable of adaptive flight, data fusion, and real-time coordination. These aircraft combine artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare capabilities for operation in contested environments. The company emphasizes interoperability, enabling its systems to collaborate with both crewed and uncrewed aircraft, sharing data to enhance situational awareness.

The company’s approach centers on “mission systems” rather than “platforms,” addressing limitations in reach, persistence, and operational effectiveness inherent in traditional force design. According to Evolved Aerospace, this means focusing on the desired outcome first, then building the capability, and finally, the product. “AI, distributed systems, and mass production are fundamentally changing the equation,” Taveniku stated. “Our experience allows us to understand how different militaries operate and translate that knowledge into innovative solutions.”

Evolved Aerospace is also prioritizing structured processes and compliance as it scales. “When everyone wants what we build, we must be even clearer about where the boundaries lie,” Taveniku explained. “Our systems are extremely powerful, and we’ve adopted an international structure to meet diverse regulatory requirements and scale production efficiently.”

The company’s business model relies on volume to drive down costs and enable advanced manufacturing. Producing approximately 100 systems annually allows for cost reductions, automation for suppliers, and more favorable procurement terms for advanced sensors.

Evolved Aerospace employs 27 people, with plans to add approximately 100 more globally in 2026, according to LinkedIn data. The management team includes Mikael Taveniku as CEO and Founder, Marianna Taveniku as Chief Operating Officer, and Andrew Welles as Chief Engineer and CTO. The company has a research and development division in Linköping, Sweden, operating as Evolved Systems Scandinavia.

Trials of new systems are scheduled to begin in early 2026, according to a recent LinkedIn post by Evolved Aerospace.

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Economy

PDVSA Limits Oil Deals to US-Licensed Companies Amid Sanctions Concerns

by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy
written by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA, is now requiring that all oil transactions be conducted with companies holding individual licenses from the U.S. Government, a policy shift implemented over the past two weeks, according to reports from Reuters.

The move is intended to mitigate legal risks stemming from the interpretation of U.S. Sanctions, sources within the sector say. The restriction is reportedly limiting Venezuela’s oil exports and hindering its ability to reduce storage levels, which are nearing capacity.

Although the Trump administration issued a general license in January to broaden energy trade with Venezuela, market participants contend it has proven insufficient. The broad nature of the license has left many conditions open to interpretation, creating uncertainty about what activities are permitted and prohibited, sources told Reuters.

PDVSA executives have requested clearer guidance from the U.S. Government regarding specific companies with which trade is permissible, as well as more defined commercial terms to track shipments and ensure revenue, Reuters reported.

Financing has emerged as another significant obstacle. U.S. Financial institutions are adopting a cautious approach due to the legal complexities, with some potentially unwilling to process transactions under the existing licenses or to deem the activity authorized. This reluctance is disproportionately affecting smaller market players, while larger trading firms like Trafigura and Vitol – which already possess specific permits – have sufficient cash flow to operate without immediate reliance on bank credit.

The U.S. Administration defends the speed of its licensing process. “The President’s team is working tirelessly to address applications from oil and gas companies,” stated spokesperson Taylor Rogers to Reuters.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) recently issued two additional licenses allowing energy giants Chevron, BP, Eni, Shell, and Repsol to expand their operations in Venezuela. However, the Treasury Department emphasized guidelines to prevent financial irregularities.

In early February, the U.S. Authorized the supply of diluents – a crucial component for Venezuela’s heavy crude oil – to the country, according to Reuters. This move is intended to facilitate Venezuelan oil exports to the U.S., with a potential value of $2 billion, as previously discussed in January.

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Economy

Lubuskie Gas Stations: Avoid These for Fuel Quality Issues | 2024 Report

by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy
written by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

Fuel quality control inspections in the Lubusz region of Poland have revealed a number of gas stations selling petrol, diesel, and LPG that did not meet required standards in 2025, according to reports from Gazeta Lubuska and Nasze Miasto. The findings raise concerns about potential damage to vehicles using fuel purchased at these locations.

The reports detail a list of stations where fuel samples failed to meet quality specifications. While the specific details of the failures – whether related to octane levels, sulfur content, or other factors – were not immediately available, the publications indicated the issues could lead to engine problems.

Gazeta Lubuska, the largest regional daily in the Lubusz Voivodeship, has been reporting on the issue, emphasizing its commitment to informing readers about local matters and intervening on their behalf, as stated on the publication’s website. The newspaper’s online edition, accessible through Prasa24, provides current information on events in the region and beyond.

The inspections come as part of ongoing efforts to monitor fuel quality across Poland. Regioneo.pl, a local news portal for the Lubusz region, provides a platform for disseminating these types of local news stories, covering areas from Gorzów Wielkopolski to Zielona Góra.

The Akcja Hipokrates 2025, a campaign recognizing healthcare workers in the region, including those in Zielona Góra, has been running concurrently, as reported by Gazeta Lubuska on Facebook. While unrelated to the fuel quality issue, it highlights the range of local concerns being addressed by regional media.

As of February 15, 2026, the full list of affected stations and the specific nature of the fuel quality failures have not been publicly released beyond the initial reports. No official statement has been issued by regulatory bodies regarding further action or consumer guidance.

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