Updated
Updated · BusinessLine · Aug 4
Rupee Gains 0.5% to 95.38 Against Dollar as $704 Million Inflows Lift Sentiment
Updated
Updated · BusinessLine · Aug 4

Rupee Gains 0.5% to 95.38 Against Dollar as $704 Million Inflows Lift Sentiment

2 articles · Updated · BusinessLine · Aug 4

Summary

  • 95.38 per dollar marked the rupee’s Tuesday close, up 48 paise over the past week as foreign inflows, a weaker dollar and cheaper crude supported the currency.
  • $704 million in net FPI inflows over the past week, along with RBI steps to encourage overseas dollar deposits and ease foreign access to government securities, helped strengthen external-sector support.
  • The dollar index fell about 1.6% last week toward 100, while Brent crude near $82 a barrel is down nearly 20% from July 23 and about 7% this week, easing pressure on India’s import bill.
  • Wednesday’s RBI policy decision is the next trigger; rates are widely expected to stay unchanged, but traders see the rupee swinging in a 95-96 range as dollar moves and West Asia tensions keep volatility elevated.
  • Domestic data remain a counterweight, with India’s manufacturing PMI easing to 53.5 in July, its lowest reading in five years.

Insights

Can RBI measures and foreign inflows keep the rupee below 95, or will oil, dollar strength, and hidden RBI obligations pull it back toward 96?
How much of the rupee’s rebound is real strength versus a temporary gift from lower crude and a weaker dollar?