RUPEE PLUMMETS AGAIN! 📉 US Trade Deal & Global Funds Spark Hope Amidst Crude Oil Woes

The Indian rupee depreciated by 15 paise in early trade on Wednesday, reaching 88.65 against the US dollar. This decline was primarily driven by elevated crude oil prices and outflows of foreign funds. However, the domestic unit found some support at lower levels due to renewed optimism surrounding a potential India-US trade deal.

Forex traders noted that while the rupee opened at 88.61 and fell to 88.65, a significant factor expected to bolster the rupee is the MSCI Global Standard Index review. The inclusion of companies like Fortis Healthcare, GE Vernova T&D India, One 97 Communications (Paytm), and Siemens Energy India is anticipated to trigger passive inflows as global funds rebalance their portfolios. Amit Pabari, MD of CR Forex Advisors, suggested these inflows could offer a cushion against temporary weakness.

Further supporting the rupee is the US President's statement indicating proximity to a fair trade deal with India and a commitment to lower tariffs on Indian goods at some point. The dollar index saw a slight increase, trading 0.06 per cent higher at 99.50, while Brent crude edged lower.

On the domestic equity front, the Sensex and Nifty showed strong gains in early trade. However, Foreign Institutional Investors sold equities worth Rs 803 crore on Tuesday.

Impact: This news significantly impacts the Indian stock market and economy. Rupee depreciation can increase the cost of imports, potentially fueling inflation and making foreign debt costlier for Indian companies, while also benefiting exporters. Anticipated inflows from MSCI index inclusions can enhance market liquidity and stability. Optimism over the US trade deal boosts business confidence. Overall, these factors are crucial for investor sentiment and economic outlook. Rating: 7/10