Pocket Option: How to buy YPF shares in dollars

9 min to read

11 April 2025

9 min to read

How to buy YPF shares in dollars: Effective strategies for Argentine investors

Investing in YPF shares from Argentina can represent an excellent opportunity to diversify your assets in hard currency. This article will reveal the most efficient and secure methods to buy YPF shares in dollars, analyzing available platforms, legal aspects, and the most profitable strategies for Argentine investors.

Why invest in YPF shares in dollars?

YPF (Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales) represents one of the most important energy assets in Argentina. For local investors, understanding how to buy YPF shares in dollars is essential in an economic context of high inflation and exchange rate volatility.

Investment in these shares denominated in foreign currency offers multiple strategic benefits:

Advantage	Benefit for Argentine investor
Exchange rate coverage	Effective protection against the devaluation of the Argentine peso
Exposure to the energy sector	Participation in a strategic sector with international projection
Dual appreciation potential	Benefit from both share appreciation and exchange rate
Income in foreign currency	Possibility of receiving dividends in dollars according to the chosen method

Financial analysts at Pocket Option point out that YPF, as Argentina’s main oil company, offers a unique combination of defensive value and growth potential, especially considering the development of the Vaca Muerta field and its international expansion projects.

Available options for investing in YPF from Argentina

The market offers different alternatives for Argentine investors to buy YPF shares quoted in dollars. Each method presents particular characteristics that adapt to different investment profiles and financial knowledge.

YPF ADRs on the New York Stock Exchange

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) represent the most direct way to invest in YPF with dollar quotes. These negotiable certificates are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “YPF” and each ADR represents one ordinary share of the company.

To access these instruments, you will need:

An account with a broker with access to the US market
Complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process
Funds in dollars available for investment
Basic knowledge about schedules and mechanics of the North American market

Pocket Option facilitates this process with an intuitive platform specially designed for Latin American investors, offering competitive commissions and advanced analytical tools.

CEDEARs: Local alternative with dollar exposure

Argentine Deposit Certificates (CEDEARs) allow investing in YPF with indirect exposure to the dollar from the local market. Although operations are carried out in Argentine pesos, these instruments follow the Cash with Settlement (CCL) dollar quote.

Characteristic	Direct ADRs	CEDEARs
Trading market	NYSE (United States)	BYMA (Argentina)
Operating currency	US dollars	Argentine pesos with CCL dollar reference
Regulatory requirements	Compliance with FATCA regulations and US regulation	Argentine regulation (CNV)
Time availability	NYSE market hours (9:30-16:00 EST)	Argentine market hours (11:00-17:00 ART)
Accessibility	Requires broker with international access	Available through any local broker

Step-by-step process to buy YPF shares in dollars

Below, we present a detailed recommendations to acquire YPF shares in dollars through the different methods available for Argentine investors.

Buying ADRs through international broker

If you decide to operate directly in the US market, these are the steps to follow:

Select a reliable broker with access to NYSE (such as Pocket Option)
Complete the account opening and identity verification process
Transfer funds in dollars to your investment account
Analyze the appropriate time to enter the market
Execute the purchase order specifying quantity and type (market or limit)
Regularly monitor your investment using analytical tools

The Pocket Option platform simplifies this process with an intuitive interface in Spanish and specialized technical support for Argentine investors.

Process phase	Estimated time	Important considerations
Account opening	24-48 hours	Prepare ID, proof of address and selection of funding method
Fund transfer	1-3 business days	Evaluate transfer costs and times according to chosen method
Prior research	Customizable	Analyze price trends, volume and recent corporate news
Order execution	Immediate during market hours	Consider the time difference between Argentina and USA

Investment through CEDEARs

For those who prefer to operate from the local market:

How to buy YPF shares in dollars through CEDEARs involves a simpler process from an operational perspective, although it requires understanding the dynamics of the CCL dollar:

Open an account with an Argentine broker regulated by CNV
Deposit Argentine pesos in your client account
Locate the YPF CEDEAR in the trading platform
Analyze the relationship between the CEDEAR price and the underlying ADR
Execute the purchase order in the local market

This modality avoids the need to transfer funds abroad, significantly simplifying the process for investors who don’t have international experience.

Legal and fiscal aspects for Argentine investors

Investment in foreign stocks or with dollar quotes carries specific legal and tax considerations that every Argentine investor should know.

Fiscal/legal aspect	YPF ADRs	YPF CEDEARs
Income Tax	15% on positive result (disposal)	15% on positive result (disposal)
Personal Assets Tax	Progressive rate on holdings as of 12/31	Progressive rate on holdings as of 12/31
Declaration of foreign account	Mandatory in Personal Assets Declaration	Not applicable (local investment)
RG 3815 Reports (AFIP)	Applicable according to transfer amount	Not applicable for local operations
Withholding on dividends	30% US withholding + local taxation	Withholding according to Argentine regulations

Pocket Option specialists recommend consulting with a professional tax advisor before initiating significant operations, as regulations may vary and there are legitimate strategies to optimize the tax burden according to the investor’s profile.

Fundamental analysis of YPF for informed decisions

The decision to invest in YPF should be based on a rigorous analysis of the company’s fundamentals and its operational context. Pocket Option offers detailed reports that consider these crucial factors.

The most relevant aspects to evaluate include:

Analysis factor	Relevance for YPF	Potential impact
Oil and gas production	Extraction levels in key fields such as Vaca Muerta	Direct impact on operating income and valuation
Energy regulatory framework	Price policies and subsidies in the Argentine market	Affects refining and distribution margins
International crude oil prices	Correlation with Brent and WTI in global markets	Determinant for exports and profitability
Debt levels	Capital structure and debt service capacity	Conditions expansion plans and dividend policy
Investments in exploration	Discovery of new reserves and field development	Future value and business sustainability

According to Pocket Option analysts, YPF’s current valuation should be considered in the context of Argentine energy policies and prospects for the global hydrocarbon sector, considering the transition towards renewable energies.

Investment strategies to maximize returns

There are different approaches to managing an investment in YPF shares in dollars, depending on your risk profile, time horizon, and financial objectives.

Long-term investment strategy

For investors with a long-term vision (3-5 years), buying YPF shares can represent a bet on:

The full development of Vaca Muerta’s potential
The gradual normalization of the Argentine energy market
The international expansion of the company
The eventual recovery of a sustainable dividend policy

This strategy requires tolerance for short-term volatility and the ability to maintain the investment during periods of macroeconomic uncertainty.

Active trading based on specific catalysts

More dynamic operators can take advantage of particular events that generate significant movements in the quote:

Catalyst	Usual impact	Recommended strategy
Publication of quarterly results	Intense volatility in days before and after	Anticipated positioning according to market expectations
Announcements of new energy regulations	Complete reevaluation of profitability prospects	Analysis of sectoral and specific impact for YPF
Significant movements in oil price	Direct correlation, especially in upstream operations	Monitoring of international markets and energy geopolitics
Changes in business leadership	Variable reaction according to profile and management expectations	Evaluation of trajectory and strategic vision of the new team

Pocket Option offers specific tools to implement these strategies, including advanced technical analysis, price alerts, and real-time corporate news tracking.

Risk management when investing in YPF

Investing in YPF shares, like any stock market operation, involves risks that must be adequately managed. Pocket Option experts suggest considering:

Diversification: Do not concentrate more than 5-10% of your portfolio in a single asset
Stop loss: Establish predefined exit levels to limit potential losses
Staggered entry: Build positions gradually to mitigate timing risk
Correlation analysis: Understand how YPF behaves with respect to the general market
Monitoring of key indicators: Monitor specific factors that affect YPF

A particularly relevant aspect for Argentine investors is the simultaneous exposure to YPF’s business risk and country risk, which increases the potential volatility of this investment.

Alternatives and complements to direct investment in YPF

Investors interested in the Argentine energy sector can consider alternatives that complement direct investment in YPF shares:

Alternative instrument	Main characteristics	Comparative advantages
Energy sector ETFs	Listed funds with exposure to multiple oil companies	Greater diversification and lower specific risk
YPF corporate bonds	Fixed income instruments issued by the company	Predictable income flow and priority in capital structure
Shares of related companies	YPF supplier or customer companies	Indirect exposure with different risk/return profiles
Oil futures contracts	Derivatives on the international price of crude oil	Pure exposure to the price of the underlying commodity

Pocket Option provides access to many of these alternative instruments, allowing the construction of diversified strategies that capture different aspects of the potential of the Argentine energy sector.

Conclusions: Maximizing opportunities in YPF

How to buy YPF shares in dollars represents a strategic decision for Argentine investors seeking both exposure to a key sector of the economy and protection against peso volatility.

The process requires careful consideration of:

The most suitable investment method according to your profile (ADRs vs CEDEARs)
The specific fiscal and regulatory implications for your situation
YPF’s current fundamentals and its perspectives in a changing context
The strategy for entering, managing, and eventually exiting the position
The integration of this investment into a diversified portfolio

Pocket Option distinguishes itself as a comprehensive platform that facilitates this entire process, from initial analysis to execution and monitoring of your investment, with tools specifically designed for Latin American investors.

Remember that success in financial markets requires not only selecting the right instruments, but also developing the discipline and patience necessary to implement your strategy consistently, especially in volatile markets like Argentina’s.

Investment in YPF can represent a valuable piece in your personal financial strategy, but it should be approached with the appropriate knowledge, tools, and professional support to maximize its potential.

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FAQ

Is it legal for Argentines to buy YPF shares in dollars?

Yes, it is completely legal. Argentines can acquire YPF shares denominated in dollars through ADRs in the US market or through CEDEARs in the local market with reference to the CCL dollar. The important thing is to do it through formal channels and comply with the corresponding tax obligations.

What is the minimum investment needed to start?

The minimum investment varies according to the chosen modality. For ADRs, you will need at least the value of one share (variable according to current quote) plus commissions. With platforms like Pocket Option, you can start with amounts from USD 100. For CEDEARs, the minimum will depend on the unit price of the certificate and the requirements of the local broker.

How do exchange restrictions affect this investment?

Argentine exchange restrictions ("cepo") mainly impact the transfer of funds to international brokers. Alternatives such as operating with MEP dollar or Cash with Liquidation (CCL) allow legal access to investments in foreign currency. Pocket Option offers funding methods adapted to these limitations.

What documentation do I need to invest in YPF from Argentina?

You will need identity document (DNI), recent proof of address, CUIT/CUIL certificate, and potentially, documentation proving the origin of the funds. Specific requirements vary according to the broker, generally being more comprehensive for international accounts than for local operations.

Can I receive YPF dividends in dollars?

If you own ADRs directly in an international account, you will receive dividends in dollars, subject to applicable tax withholdings. With CEDEARs, dividends are generally paid in Argentine pesos at the current exchange rate. Check the specific conditions with your broker, as there may be particularities according to the chosen structure.