The Indian rupee weakened to a two-week low of 88.40 against the US dollar before recovering slightly to 88.36, as traders indicated possible Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervention through dollar sales to stem further depreciation. The move reflects growing pressure from a stronger greenback and rising oil import costs.
The Indian rupee declined on Tuesday, touching its weakest level in two weeks at 88.40 per US dollar, amid firm demand for the greenback from importers and a surge in US Treasury yields. Traders reported that the RBI likely intervened by selling dollars via state-run banks to cushion the fall.
Market participants noted that sustained foreign outflows from equities, higher crude oil prices, and persistent dollar strength globally have weighed on emerging market currencies. However, India’s steady forex reserves and controlled inflation expectations are expected to provide support in the near term.
Major Takeaways
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Rupee hit a two-week low of 88.40; last quoted at 88.36 per USD.
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RBI likely selling US dollars to stabilize currency movement.
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Dollar strengthened on robust US data and elevated Treasury yields.
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Rising oil prices adding pressure to India’s import bill and current account.
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Traders see rupee trading in the 88.20–88.60 range in the near term.
Source: Reuters, Bloomberg, RBI data, NSE Forex Desk