Argentina Faces Economic Crisis Ahead of Elections as Inflation Soars, Currency Falters

Inflation is at 138% and rising, putting Argentina's economy in crisis ahead of elections

Peso currency shackled by capital controls; candidates pledge to undo them if elected

Central bank reserves near lowest level since 2016, threatening debt payments

Economy set to shrink 2.8% this year, sharpening poverty levels

Argentina has potential growth assets in grains, shale gas and lithium, but must seize the opportunity