At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 85.10 and slid further to hit a fresh all-time low of 85.16 against the greenback, registering a loss of 5 paise from its previous closing level. Representational image
| Photo Credit: Reuters

The rupee fell 5 paise to hit a new all-time low of 85.16 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday (December 24, 2024), amid strengthening American currency and sustained outflow of foreign capital.

Forex traders said higher dollar demand as well as an upward momentum in crude oil prices due to volatile geopolitical situation pushed the local unit further downward even as a positive domestic equity market provided some cushion.

They said the strong dollar and soaring bond yields in the US prompted the foreign investors towards profit-booking by selling Indian equities.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 85.10 and slid further to hit a fresh all-time low of 85.16 against the greenback, registering a loss of 5 paise from its previous closing level.

On Monday, the rupee settled 7 paise lower at 85.11 against the US dollar.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading higher by 0.10 per cent at 107.92, amid soaring US Treasury yields and the fear of delayed interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.30 per cent to USD 72.85 per barrel in futures trade.

On the domestic equity market front, the 30-share benchmark index Sensex was trading marginally higher by 15.97 points, or 0.02 per cent at 78,556.14 points. The Nifty was up 13.70 points, or 0.06 per cent, at 23,767.15 points.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on Monday, as they offloaded shares worth Rs 168.71 crore, according to exchange data.

Forex traders said the rupee is hovering around record low levels as the strong dollar weighed on the local unit.
| Photo Credit: REUTERS

The rupee settled flat at 84.07 (provisional) against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, as the support from positive domestic markets and a softening crude oil prices was negated by persistent foreign fund outflows.

Forex traders said the rupee is hovering around record low levels as the strong dollar weighed on the local unit, while positive domestic equities, weak crude oil prices and suspected intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) supported the local currency at lower levels.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 84.08 against the greenback. It traded in a tight range and ended the day at 84.07 (provisional), unchanged from its previous close.

On Monday, the rupee settled 1 paisa higher at 84.07 against the U.S. dollar.

The local currency touched its lowest closing level of 84.10 against the dollar on October 11.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.04% lower at 104.27.

According to traders, the rupee remains under intense pressure, mainly due to persistent foreign fund outflows. However, decline in crude price has helped ease pressure on the rupee despite ongoing market challenges.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.74% to $71.95 per barrel in futures trade.

On the domestic equity market front, Sensex advanced 363.99 points, or 0.45%, to 80,369.03 points. The Nifty rose 127.70 points, or 0.52%, to 24,466.85 points.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on Monday, as they offloaded shares worth ₹3,228.08 crore, according to exchange data.

The rupee slipped 1 paisa to 84.07 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on Friday, as the weakening American currency failed to support the local unit amid negative domestic equity markets and higher crude oil prices.

Forex traders said the unabated outflow of foreign funds also weighed on the domestic unit.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened flat at 84.06 against the greenback and lost further to 84.07, trading 1 paisa lower from its previous close.

On Thursday, the rupee weakened by 4 paise to close at 84.06 against the U.S. dollar.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was down by 0.11% to 103.53 points.

Negative dollar index was attributed to the fresh indication by Chinese central bank to reduce reserve ratio required for the country’s lenders by the end of this year, which is expected to give further boost to the world’s second largest economy.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, increased 0.21% to $74.61 per barrel in futures trade.

On the domestic equity market front, Sensex declined 372.10 points, or 0.46%, to 80,634.51 points. The Nifty also fell 116.70 points, or 0.47%, to 24,633.15 points.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on Thursday, as they offloaded shares worth ₹7,421.40 crore, according to exchange data.

New Delhi:

India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 7.023 billion, reaching a fresh record high of USD 681.688 billion, during the week that ended on August 23, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India.

The previous record high was USD 674.919 billion.

The reserves have been on an upward trend for some time. In 2024 alone, they have risen by approximately USD 60 billion cumulatively. This buffer of foreign exchange reserves helps insulate domestic economic activity from global shocks.

According to the latest data from the RBI, India’s foreign currency assets (FCA), the largest component of forex reserves, rose by USD 5.983 billion to USD 597.552 billion.

Gold reserves during the week increased by USD 893 million, bringing the total to USD 60.997 billion. As per estimates, India’s foreign exchange reserves are now sufficient to cover about a year of projected imports.

In the calendar year 2023, India added about USD 58 billion to its foreign exchange reserves.

In contrast, India’s forex reserves saw a cumulative decline of USD 71 billion in 2022. Forex reserves, or foreign exchange reserves (FX reserves), are assets held by a nation’s central bank or monetary authority.

These are generally held in reserve currencies, typically the US Dollar and, to a lesser extent, the Euro, Japanese Yen, and Pound Sterling.

The RBI closely monitors the foreign exchange markets and intervenes only to maintain orderly market conditions, aiming to contain excessive volatility in the exchange rate without reference to any pre-determined target level or band.

The RBI frequently intervenes in the market through liquidity management, including the sale of dollars, to prevent a steep depreciation of the rupee.
 

The rupee settled 10 paise higher at 83.77 against the American currency on Tuesday. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

The Indian rupee depreciated by 7 paise to 83.84 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on Wednesday (August 21, 2024), tracking subdued domestic equity market trend and unabated outflow of foreign capital.

A weak American currency and lower crude prices, however, supported the local unit and prevented its sharp fall, forex traders said.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened weak at 83.79 and lost further to 83.84 against the greenback, declining 7 paise from its previous days’ closing level of 83.77.

The rupee settled 10 paise higher at 83.77 against the American currency on Tuesday (August 20, 2024), a day after gaining 8 paise.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading marginally higher by 0.02% to 101.31.

Analysts said the dollar index is at a seven-month low level amid concerns over upcoming Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data from the U.S. and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole Symposium later this week.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, declined 0.17% to $77.07 per barrel.

On the domestic equity market front, Sensex fell 24.50 points, or 0.03%, to 80,778.36 points. The Nifty was almost flat at 24,699.55 points.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on Tuesday (August 20, 2024), offloading shares worth ₹1,457.96 crore, according to exchange data.

File image.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

The Indian rupee stayed firm for the second straight session and settled 8 paise higher at 83.79 (provisional) against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday (August 20, 2024), buoyed by positive domestic equity markets, weak American currency and lower crude oil prices.

Forex traders said, foreign fund outflow, however, resisted a sharp rise in the local unit.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 83.86 against the greenback and traded in the range of 83.76 to 83.88. The unit finally settled at 83.79 (provisional) against the dollar, registering a gain of 8 paise from its previous closing level.

On Monday, the rupee settled 8 paise higher at 83.87 against the American currency.

Anuj Choudhary, Research Analyst at Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, said the rupee rose to the highest levels in nearly two and a half weeks on a weak US dollar and positive domestic markets.

“A decline in crude oil prices also supported the rupee. However, FII outflows capped sharp gains.” Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading lower by 0.04% to 101.68.

Analysts said the U.S. dollar declined to a seven-month low on rising odds of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve.

“USD-INR spot price is expected to trade in a range of Rs 83.50 to Rs 84,” Choudhary said, adding that concerns over upcoming PMI data from the US and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole Symposium later this week may keep investors awaiting for further cues.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, declined 0.31% to $77.42 per barrel.

On the domestic equity market front, Sensex climbed 378.18 points, or 0.47%, to 80,802.86 points. The Nifty rose 126.20 points, or 0.51%, to 24,698.85 points.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on Monday, offloading shares worth ₹2,667.46 crore, according to exchange data.

The rupee strengthens against the dollar, supported by a positive equities trend
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

The Rupee appreciated 8 paise to 83.89 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on Friday (August 9, 2024), supported by a positive trend in domestic equities and a decline in the U.S. dollar index.

Forex traders said that after the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy announcement, markets now await U.S. CPI data, India CPI, WPI and IIP data and India’s trade data, all scheduled to be released next week.

“The Jackson Holes Symposium to be held after next week will also remain in focus,” traders said.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 83.95 against the greenback, then touched 83.89, registering a rise of 8 paise over its previous closing price.

On Thursday (August 8, 2024), the rupee consolidated in a narrow range and settled for the day lower by 2 paise at 83.97 against the U.S. dollar.

“The rupee was protected by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) at 83.96 for this week and the local unit is likely to trade in a narrow range of 83.90/84.00 for the day after the RBI kept key benchmark rates on hold,” said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director of Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.03% lower at 103.17.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, advanced 0.15% to $79.28 per barrel. “Brent oil prices rose to $79.22, a 3% weekly gain, on rising Middle East tensions and better than expected U.S. jobless claims data, giving a better outlook on the U.S. economy,” Mr. Bhansali added.

Market analysts said while the rupee seems to be tilting towards a negative bias, sharp fluctuations are not anticipated.

Meanwhile, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank kept the benchmark repurchase or repo rate unchanged at 6.50%. Announcing the bi-monthly monetary policy review RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said, “The Indian rupee has remained largely range-bound so far this financial year.”

Mr. Das further noted that the country’s forex reserves touched a record high of $675 billion as of August 2.

On the domestic equity market front, Sensex surged 958.63 points, or 1.22%, to 79,844.85 points. The Nifty advanced 280.70 points, or 1.16%, to 24,397.70 points.

“Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on Thursday (August 8, 2024), as they offloaded shares worth ₹2,626.73 crore,” according to exchange data.

On August 1, the Rupee declined five paise to settle at 83.73 against the U.S. dollar.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

The Rupee turned flat at 83.73 against the U.S. currency on August 2 amid weak equity markets and an upward movement in crude oil prices overseas.

According to forex traders, “the Indian currency found support due to softening the dollar against major rivals following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain the status quo on interest rates and some inflows of foreign capital into Indian equities.”

At the interbank currency exchange, the domestic currency opened at 83.74 and inched up to trade at 83.73 against the dollar, the previous day’s closing level. On August 1, the Rupee declined five paise to settle at 83.73 against the U.S. dollar.

Anand James, Chief Market Strategist of Geojit Financial Services, said the Rupee’s weakness was capped by “a likely intervention from the Reserve Bank of India”.

“The next key U.S. economic release is the July jobs report, expected on August 2,” he added.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, fell 0.07% to 104.13. Brent crude — the global oil benchmark — rose by 0.79% to $80.15 per barrel in futures trade.

In the domestic equity market, the 30-share BSE Sensex plunged 614.96 points or 0.75% to 81,252.59 in morning trade, while the broader Nifty declined 194.80 points or 0.78% to 24,816.10.

“Foreign institutional investors were net buyers in the capital markets on August 1 and bought shares worth ₹2,089.28 crore, “ according to exchange data.

A monthly survey released on August 1 showed India’s manufacturing sector growth eased slightly to 58.1 in July from 58.3 in June on softer increases in new orders and output, while cost pressures and demand strength led to the steepest increase in selling prices since October 2013.

“The government’s GST collections in July rose 10.3% to more than ₹1.82 lakh crore, driven by domestic transactions in goods and services,” according to official data released on August 1.

On July 24, the Rupee depreciated two paise to hit its all-time closing low of 83.71 against the U.S. dollar. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

The Rupee fell one paisa to close at an all-time low of 83.72 (provisional) against the U.S. dollar on July 25, dragged down by demand for the American currency in the overseas market and significant foreign fund outflows.

Forex traders said the fall in domestic unit came on the heels of a significant downturn in the Indian equity markets, sparked by the government’s decision to hike the tax rate on capital gains.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 83.72 and touched an intra-day high of 83.66 and a low of 83.72 against the dollar during the session.

It finally settled at an all-time low level of 83.72 (provisional) against the American currency, down one paisa from its previous close. On July 24, the Rupee depreciated two paise to hit its all-time closing low of 83.71 against the U.S. dollar.

“The local unit appreciated slightly during the intra-day trade on supposed intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and overall weakness in crude oil prices,” said Anuj Choudhary, Research Analyst at Sharekhan by BNP Paribas.

“We expect the Rupee to trade with a slight negative bias on weak global markets and fresh FII outflows. However, weak U.S. dollar and declining crude oil prices may support the Rupee at lower levels. intervention by the Reserve Bank may also support the Rupee,” Mr. Choudhary added.

The government’s decision to hike the tax rate on capital gains dampened market sentiment, exerting immense pressure on the Rupee and the equity market.

In the domestic equity market, the 30-share BSE Sensex fell 109.08 points or 0.14% to settle at 80,039.80 points and Nifty dropped 7.40 points or 0.03% to 24,406.10 points.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was at 104.17, lower by 0.21%. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 1.79% to $81.25 per barrel.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on Wednesday as they offloaded shares worth ₹5,130.90 crore, according to exchange data.

On July 24, the Rupee depreciated two paise to hit its all-time closing low of 83.71 against the U.S. dollar.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Rupee opened on a muted note and fell to an all-time low of 83.72 against the U.S. dollar on July 25, dragged down by the strength of the American currency in the overseas market and significant foreign fund outflows.

Forex traders said the fall in the domestic unit came on the heels of a significant downturn in the Indian equity markets, sparked by the government’s decision to hike the tax rate on capital gains.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit was trading in a narrow range. It opened at an all-time low of 83.72 against the American currency, registering a fall of one paisa from its previous close.

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On July 24, the Rupee depreciated two paise to hit its all-time closing low of 83.71 against the U.S. dollar. The government’s decision to hike the tax rate on capital gains dampened market sentiment, exerting immense pressure on the Rupee and the equity market.

“Post-Budget day, the benchmark Indian equity indices, BSE Sensex and Nifty 50, dipped by approximately 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively, as foreign institutional investors withdrew a staggering $350 million from Indian stocks.

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“Adding to the turmoil, persistent high demand for dollars, driven by defence and oil payments, compounded the currency’s woes,” CR Forex Advisors MD Amit Pabari said.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was at 104.21, lower by 0.17%. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 0.75% to $81.10 per barrel.

In the domestic equity market, the 30-share BSE Sensex was trading 425.14 points or 0.53% lower at 79,723.74 points. The broader NSE Nifty was down 120.65 points or 0.49% to 24,292.85 points.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on July 24 as they offloaded shares worth ₹5,130.90 crore, according to exchange data.