Argentine stocks dipped lower on Friday in quiet trade and in the absence of market-moving news investors focused on rumours Economy Minister Roberto Lavagna might resign, despite an official denial by his office.
The MerVal index fell 0.11 percent to 1,629.63 points, ending a seven-session climb but still up 1.29 percent in November.
Trade volume totalled 60.2 million pesos ($20.1 million).
"There's no money in the market, which remains cautious because of the rumours Lavagna will leave," said Leopoldo Olivari, analyst with Bacque brokerage.
Local media speculated on Friday that Lavagna may step down after this week he denounced unfair pricing practices by companies that have been awarded infrastructure contracts by Planning Minister Julio De Vido, a close friend of President Nestor Kirchner.
An Economy Ministry official said early on Friday "there is nothing to say," regarding the reports.
After markets closed, Lavagna began a speech on Argentina's economic outlook at a business seminar in the Atlantic beach resort of Mar del Plata.
The most heavily traded share was banking conglomerate Group Financiero Galicia, which slipped 0.42 percent to 2.36 pesos.
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