The sharp decline of the Indian rupee against the US dollar to a new all-time low of 85.80 has raised concerns among investors and analysts. The factors contributing to this unprecedented fall include the surging American bond yields that have boosted the demand for the US dollar, as well as the selling pressure from foreign institutional investors in the Indian equities market.
Additionally, the rise in crude oil prices has added further pressure on the rupee, exacerbating its downward trajectory. The inability of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to roll over short-side forward contracts maturing in December and January has also created a scarcity of dollars in the market, leading to an oversupply of rupees.
The rupee’s decline comes amidst a global trend of strengthening US dollar, with the dollar index trading higher against other major currencies. The soaring US Treasury yields, with the 10-year bond hovering around 4.50 percent, have further bolstered the greenback’s appeal.
On the domestic front, despite positive movements in the equity markets, foreign institutional investors have been net sellers, offloading shares worth ₹2,376.67 crore. The Sensex and Nifty indices have shown some resilience, but the sustained selling pressure from foreign investors has weighed down on the rupee.
Looking ahead, the volatility in the currency markets and the global economic scenario will continue to influence the movement of the rupee. The RBI’s interventions and policy decisions will also play a crucial role in stabilizing the rupee and managing external pressures. Investors and market participants will keenly observe the developments in the coming days to gauge the future trajectory of the Indian rupee.
In conclusion, the sharp fall of the rupee to a new all-time low reflects the complex interplay of domestic and global factors impacting the currency markets. It underscores the need for prudent policy measures and proactive interventions to maintain stability and confidence in the Indian rupee amidst challenging market conditions.