El Salvador Buys 1,090 BTC as Prices Drop and IMF Pressure Mounts
El Salvador has added 1,090 BTC to its reserves after Bitcoin prices dipped below $90,000, continuing President Nayib Bukele’s strategy of buying the cryptocurrency during market downturns. This move reflects the government’s long-term confidence in Bitcoin despite recent price volatility, signaling its commitment to strengthening national digital assets. The latest purchase, valued at approximately $100 million, was widely reported by media and market analysts.
With this acquisition, El Salvador’s total Bitcoin holdings are approaching 7,500 BTC. The country’s ongoing accumulation demonstrates a proactive approach to leveraging market weakness, aiming to benefit from potential future price appreciation. Analysts note that this strategy reinforces the nation’s unique position as a pioneer in adopting Bitcoin as part of its national reserves.
Market move and purchase details
Officials did not immediately release a line-item ledger, but multiple outlets reported the acquisition as markets slid, with bitcoin under pressure across global sessions. The 1,090-BTC buy is among the country’s largest single-day additions.
Policy backdrop: “one BTC per day”
El Salvador’s running accumulation has been framed around a “one #Bitcoin every day” approach first announced by President Bukele in November 2022. While daily execution has not always been transparently disclosed, that signal remains a key pillar of the country’s pro-bitcoin posture. X (formerly Twitter)+1
IMF guidance and Washington engagement
The International Monetary Fund has repeatedly urged El Salvador to limit public-sector bitcoin exposure and strengthen oversight of the digital-asset ecosystem guidance that continues to shape program discussions. The government’s latest buy arrives against that backdrop and amid ongoing U.S. engagement on digital-asset policy.
Price context: sub-$90k print
Bitcoin’s drop below $90,000 on Nov 18, 2025, reflected a broader risk-off tone and heavy outflows from crypto-linked products, according to market coverage.
Why El Salvador buys 1,090 BTC during volatility
Officials have historically framed dips as opportunities to increase long-term strategic reserves. Supporters argue that periodic accumulation reduces timing risk; critics warn that mark-to-market swings and opacity around wallet addresses complicate fiscal assessment. The latest purchase underscores the administration’s willingness to transact during stressed conditions rather than await calmer markets.
Execution signals and transparency around El Salvador buys 1,090 BTC
Public confirmations often arrive via social media or secondary reporting. Independent verification of exact wallet movements remains limited, heightening calls from analysts for more granular disclosures (timing, venue, and custody). The country has not provided a comprehensive public ledger for all transactions.
Context & Analysis
The purchase signals policy continuity amid volatility and IMF scrutiny. If prices stabilize, reserves marked at lower entry points could strengthen mark-to-market optics; if declines persist, fiscal buffers and transparency will face renewed debate. Engagement with Washington on digital-asset oversight may influence future disclosure practices and risk management without directly dictating purchase cadence.
Conclusion
El Salvador’s recent Bitcoin purchase highlights the country’s continued commitment to its digital currency strategy, even as prices fluctuate. The move adds scale to its holdings but also renews concerns over transparency and the potential fiscal risks associated with large cryptocurrency reserves. Observers are closely watching how the government balances its ambitious Bitcoin approach with prudent financial management.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) continues to advise limiting public exposure to digital assets, a point expected to feature prominently in upcoming program discussions. Despite this guidance, the government has indicated it will persist in accumulating Bitcoin, underscoring its long-term confidence in the strategy.
FAQs
Q : What exactly happened?
A : El Salvador purchased 1,090 BTC during a broad market sell-off.
Q : How much bitcoin does the country hold now?
A : Reports place total reserves near ~7,500 BTC, though full wallet disclosures are not public.
Q : Why did El Salvador buy during a dip?
A : Officials have historically framed dips as opportunities to build long-term strategic reserves.
Q : What does the IMF say about this?
A : The IMF urges limiting public-sector exposure and improving oversight of the bitcoin ecosystem.
Q : Is there a standing policy to buy daily?
A : Bukele announced a “one bitcoin per day” plan in Nov 2022; execution transparency varies.
Q : Did the price really fall below $90,000?
A : Yes, market data and reporting showed sub-$90k levels on Nov 18, 2025.
Q : Does this mean El Salvador will keep buying?
A : Officials have signaled continued accumulation despite volatility and external pressure.
Q : Where can I track the live price?
A : See the live chart above.
Facts
Event
Government purchase of 1,090 BTC during market dipDate/Time
2025-11-18T12:24:00+05:00Entities
Republic of El Salvador; President Nayib Bukele; International Monetary Fund (IMF)Figures
1,090 BTC (~$100M at time of reporting); total holdings near ~7,500 BTC; BTC < $90,000 intradayQuotes
“We are buying one #Bitcoin every day starting tomorrow.” — Nayib Bukele, President (Nov 2022) X (formerly Twitter)Sources
CoinDesk (purchase) + URL; Reuters/IMF (guidance) + URLs; market coverage (price) + URLs.