US Judge Orders Argentina to Surrender YPF Stake

A U.S. judge has ordered Argentina to transfer its 51% controlling stake in YPF SA to an escrow account as partial settlement of a $16.1 billion judgment related to YPF's 2012 expropriation. The plaintiffs, led by Burford Capital, sought the shares as compensation following their legal victory, despite opposition from the U.S. Department of Justice. The decision triggered declines in YPF shares, the Merval index, and Argentina’s sovereign bonds. President Javier Milei blamed former officials and pledged to appeal, while opponents called the ruling an attack on national sovereignty. The court's order permits plaintiffs to pursue the assets even during the appeal process, intensifying pressure on Argentina to negotiate a settlement. The case highlights Argentina's ongoing legal, financial, and economic challenges as it faces international claims over its energy sector.