The Indian rupee opened weaker at 90.94 per U.S. dollar, down 0.3% from its previous close of 90.6675. Elevated banking system liquidity, with cash balances at 8.02 trillion rupees, and marginal borrowings via RBI facilities shaped early market sentiment on February 18.
The Indian currency began Tuesday’s session under pressure, reflecting both global dollar strength and domestic liquidity conditions. According to Reuters, the rupee slipped to 90.94 against the U.S. dollar, marking a 0.3% decline from its prior close.
Key Highlights
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Indian banks reported cash balances of 8.02 trillion rupees with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on February 18, underscoring surplus liquidity in the system
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The government’s surplus cash balance with the RBI stood at nil, indicating no auction activity on the same date
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The RBI extended refinance worth 66.87 billion rupees, supporting short-term liquidity requirements
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Banks borrowed 1.01 billion rupees via the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF), a window used for emergency funding needs
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The rupee’s weakness comes amid heightened liquidity and cautious investor sentiment, with traders closely monitoring RBI’s liquidity management operations and global currency trends
The interplay of surplus liquidity, refinance operations, and marginal borrowings highlights the RBI’s balancing act in maintaining financial stability while navigating currency pressures. Market participants expect continued volatility as global dollar dynamics and domestic liquidity conditions evolve.
Sources: Reuters (RTRS), Reserve Bank of India (RBI)