Indian rupee gains ahead of RBI deadline to unwind positions
New Delhi, April 10
The Indian rupee opened nearly 10 paise higher on Friday as the Reserve Bank of India's deadline for banks to unwind their arbitrage positions approached, while traders also tracked rising crude oil prices amid uncertainty over the US-Iran ceasefire.
The rupee was trading at 92.57 against the US dollar in early trade, compared to its previous close of 92.66.
April 10 is the deadline for banks to unwind excessive positions in the offshore non-deliverable forwards (NDF) market.
Earlier in March, the RBI had directed that banks' net open position in the rupee should not exceed $100 million at the end of each business day. While several banks had sought an extension, the central bank maintained its stance, prompting lenders to unwind arbitrage positions.
According to analysts, the market could remain in a wait-and-watch mode until there is clarity on the RBI's instructions on overnight position limits. They added that expectations of sharp rupee depreciation following the deadline may be overstated.
Meanwhile, global crude prices remained on the radar of traders and investors. Brent crude traded at $97 per barrel, an increase of 1.13 per cent from previus close. Similarly, the US WTI crude increased by more than 1 per cent to $99.24 in early trade. However, prices earlier had slipped up to 20 per cent below the $100-per-barrel mark.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil futures (April 20) touched an intraday high of Rs 9,222, an increase of 3.23 per cent or Rs 289.
Earlier this week, Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the curbs on banks' foreign exchange positions and restrictions on offering non-deliverable forwards to clients are temporary measures aimed at containing volatility.
He noted that the central bank had observed heightened volatility in the foreign exchange market in recent weeks, partly driven by arbitrage trades by banks.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an expat sending money home, even a 10 paise gain makes a difference over large amounts. Hope this stability continues. The wait-and-watch mode the analysts mention is exactly how I feel!
The real concern is still crude oil. Rupee at 92.57 is okay, but if Brent stays near $100, our import bill will skyrocket. RBI's measures are a band-aid. We need a long-term strategy for energy independence.
Respectfully, while controlling volatility is important, these sudden directives and deadlines create panic in the market. Couldn't there be a more gradual unwinding process? Clarity on overnight limits is needed ASAP.
Typical move by banks, they always seek extensions! Good on RBI for holding firm. This will discipline the market. Now let's see if this gain holds through the trading day.
MCX crude at over Rs 9,200... this directly impacts petrol and diesel prices. The rupee's minor gain is good news, but it's overshadowed by the oil price surge for the common man. 🛢️
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