Vietnamese Dong & Iraqi Dinar Update February 16, 2026 | VND Reference Rate 25,049 | IQD 1,310 скачать в хорошем качестве

Vietnamese Dong & Iraqi Dinar Update February 16, 2026 | VND Reference Rate 25,049 | IQD 1,310

Markets are back open after the weekend! The State Bank of Vietnam has set Monday’s reference rate at 25,049 VND/USD (vs the market at ~25,970), signaling a preference for dong strength. The VND has appreciated 1.26% year-to-date (YTD). Meanwhile, the Iraqi dinar holds steady at 1,310 IQD/USD, showing exceptional stability with only a -0.11% change over the last 12 months. This Monday update covers the significant reference rate shift, its meaning, and key factors to monitor in the week ahead.  MONDAY DUAL UPDATE: Vietnamese Dong: Reference rate: 25,049 VND/USD (strong signal) Market rate: ~25,970 VND/USD (gap indicates policy intent) Iraqi Dinar: 1,310 IQD/USD (stability continues) Both currencies begin the new week holding their characteristic patterns. Reference rate vs. market rate: We’ll explain the policy signal and what it means. Week ahead: Key factors to watch for both currencies.  VIETNAMESE DONG DATA (Feb 17, 2026): State Bank Reference Rate: 25,049 VND/USD (Monday) Market Rate: ~25,970 VND/USD Gap Significance: Reference rate much stronger than market Policy Signal: The SBV wants dong appreciation YTD Change: Up +1.26% Monthly Change: Up +1.17% Trading Band: Plus or minus 5% around the reference rate  WHAT THE REFERENCE RATE GAP MEANS: Policy Intent Explained: With the reference at 25,049 and the market at 25,970, there’s a ~920 dong gap. The State Bank sets a daily reference, and commercial banks can trade within plus or minus 5%. A stronger reference indicates that the central bank prefers appreciation. This doesn’t force immediate market movement but creates a framework for gradual strengthening. The market may or may not follow this. Watch this week. Why the Signal of Strength Now? To contain import costs (inflation management) To demonstrate monetary policy credibility To show confidence in Vietnam’s economic fundamentals Gradual strength helps inflation control while supporting the 10% GDP growth target with stability.  VIETNAM FUNDAMENTALS (Unchanged): Export Growth: Nearly 17% (2025) FDI Growth: +11.3% (January 2026) Tourism Growth: +18.5% (January) January Trade Deficit: Watching February’s data State Bank Balancing: Currency strength + growth support Q4 2025 Growth: Strongest growth since 2007  IRAQI DINAR DATA (Feb 17, 2026): Market Rate: 1,310 IQD/USD (Monday) Official Rate: 1,300 IQD/USD (unchanged) Market Premium: ~10 dinars (under 1%) YTD Change: Up +0.03% (essentially flat, but technically positive) 12-Month Change: Down -0.11% (exceptional stability) Weekend Position: Held steady into Monday  IRAQ MONDAY STABILITY: Unchanged Fundamentals: Reserves: $100 billion (held by the US Federal Reserve) Oil Production: 4.6M+ barrels/day Official Rate Anchor: 1,300 (since February 2023) US Coordination: February 5 meeting framework Banking Reforms: Oliver Wyman roadmap continues World Bank: 8.9% growth forecast (post-OPEC+ quotas) Management Approach: Rigid stability (vs Vietnam’s flexibility) Predictability over responsiveness Reserve-backed anchor Market trades near the official rate Demonstrated policy effectiveness   Iraq (Rigid Stability): Consistent official rate (1,300) Minimal market variation Reserve backing for credibility Predictability is the primary goal This week: Continuation expected WEEK AHEAD - WHAT TO WATCH: Vietnam: Commercial Bank Rates: Will they move closer to the 25,049 reference rate? Gap Persistence or Closure: Monitor market reaction February Trade Data: Crucial after January’s deficit—will it be balanced or continue in deficit? State Bank Rate Settings: Ongoing adjustments Iraq: Oil Price Movements Banking Reform Announcements US-Iraq Diplomatic Developments Market Stability Continuation Any OPEC+ Developments  REFERENCE RATE IMPLEMENTATION WATCH: If the market moves toward 25,049: The policy signal is being followed If the gap persists at 25,970: Market resistance to the policy signal This week: We will see if gradual convergence happens Commercial Banks: How quickly will they adjust? Daily Monitoring: Are we seeing a shift in the reference rate gap? SOURCES USED: State Bank of Vietnam reference rate (Feb 17, morning) Market exchange rate data (Feb 16, 2026) Central Bank of Iraq official rate Export, FDI, tourism statistics Oil production data World Bank Iraq projections Banking reform updates DISCLAIMER: This update is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The gap between reference rate and market rate is a policy signal, not a guaranteed outcome. No predictions or investment recommendations are made. Always consult qualified financial professionals.  SUBSCRIBE for daily updates all week — we track whether the reference rate signal works!  Big question: Will the market follow the State Bank's 25,049 reference rate this week, or will the gap persist? What do you think drives more — central bank signals or market forces? Share your thoughts below!