Argentine stocks dip

Argentine shares slipped on Friday in light trading as investors awaited news on the country's negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.
The Buenos Aires Stock Exchange's benchmark MerVal stock index closed down 0.38 percent at 975.42 points. Trading volume was only 17.2 million pesos ($5.8 million).
The Argentine peso finished 0.08 percent weaker at 2.9675/2.9725 per US dollar.
"The lack of news is literally paralysing trade given that investors are waiting for new developments with the IMF," said Rafael Ber, an analyst at Argentine Research brokerage.
Group Financiero Galicia, one of Argentina's biggest blue chips, slipped 0.63 percent to 1.59 pesos.
Argentina needs IMF approval for the third review of a vital $13 billion aid package. Two missions have visited Argentina in recent weeks, but they have yet to send their report to the IMF board for final approval.