TIRANA, August 18 – The Bank of Albania said ALL appreciation against the US dollar slowed during the second quarter. The central bank attributed the change to the dollar’s stronger performance on international markets.

The average USD/ALL exchange rate stood at 82.0 in the second quarter. It had averaged 82.3 in the first quarter. On an annual basis, ALL appreciation against the dollar slowed to 3.3% in June. The rate had reached about 14% during the first 2 months of the year.

Meanwhile, the USD/ALL rate averaged 82.1 during the first 3 weeks of July. Annual ALL appreciation slowed further to 1.8%. The Bank of Albania said the foreign exchange market continued to operate under normal trading conditions. Exchange-rate fluctuations remained limited.

However, the central bank noted an increase in the asymmetry indicator during 2026. The indicator measures the direction of daily exchange-rate movements. It had remained relatively subdued during the second half of last year. According to the Bank of Albania, the latest reading signals stronger pressure on the exchange rate. It may also indicate changing expectations among foreign exchange market operators.

Overall, the foreign exchange market continues to operate within normal parameters. At the same time, exchange-rate movements remain an important indicator of Albania’s economic and financial developments.

/a.p./