Bitcoin News Today: El Salvador Buys Bitcoin as IMF Flags New Purchases as Off-Limits

El Salvador's government has executed its largest single-day Bitcoin purchase to date, acquiring 1,090 BTC worth approximately $100 million amid a broader market downturn. The move, announced by President Nayib Bukele on X, reinforces the country's commitment to its "buy the dip" strategy, a policy of accumulating Bitcoin during price declines. The purchase brings El Salvador's total Bitcoin holdings to 7,474 BTC, valued at around $676 million.

The timing aligns with a multi-month low for Bitcoin, which briefly fell below $90,000 on Nov. 17, 2025, the first dip under that level since April. El Salvador's Bitcoin Office has maintained a "1 BTC per day" accumulation plan since November 2022, a strategy Bukele has consistently defended as a long-term investment in digital sovereignty. The recent acquisition underscores this approach, with Bukele tweeting "Hooah!" alongside a screenshot of the updated treasury dashboard according to reports.

The purchase has sparked debate amid El Salvador's $1.4 billion IMF agreement, which stipulates that the public sector should cease new Bitcoin acquisitions. Finance officials previously claimed no purchases had occurred since February 2025, creating confusion over the source of the 1,090 BTC addition. An IMF report further muddied the waters, noting that reserve increases could stem from internal wallet consolidations rather than new buys.

Despite the contradictions, El Salvador's Bitcoin Office has doubled down on its strategy. Director Stacy Herbert emphasized that blockchain transparency ensures accountability, stating, "The blockchain itself records and verifies our activity". The government also highlighted broader economic benefits, with Herbert describing Bitcoin as "freedom, transparency, and individual empowerment."

The move has drawn international attention as other nations explore digital assets. The Czech National Bank recently revealed its first direct exposure to crypto, purchasing Bitcoin and other assets worth $1 million. Analysts like André Dragosch of Bitwise noted that sovereign nations "are buying the dip," signaling a potential shift in global financial strategies.

Bitcoin's price continued to decline post-purchase, trading below $90,000 as of Nov. 18. Cameron Winklevoss warned on X that this could be the "last chance" to buy Bitcoin below that level, drawing comparisons to the 2020 price breakout. Meanwhile, El Salvador's treasury now ranks as the fifth-largest government-held Bitcoin stash, trailing only the U.S., China, and the U.K..

The purchase highlights El Salvador's defiance of conventional economic advice, even as adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender among citizens remains low. The government has adjusted its policy to make Bitcoin acceptance voluntary, a concession to IMF conditions. Yet, Bukele's unyielding support-and the country's aggressive accumulation-suggest Bitcoin will remain central to El Salvador's economic vision, regardless of market volatility.