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Rupee Gains 10 Paise, Opens at 93/USD Amid RBI Crackdown on Speculation

The Indian rupee opened stronger at 93 against the US dollar, gaining 10 paise as the Reserve Bank of India's recent strict measures continue to unwind speculative positions in offshore markets. Traders are now focused on the ongoing RBI Monetary Policy Committee meeting, where interest rates are widely expected to remain unchanged. Globally, rising Brent crude prices, fueled by geopolitical tensions and supply concerns, are being closely monitored. Meanwhile, domestic equity benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty, traded lower in early trade.

Key Points: Rupee Opens Higher at 93/USD, RBI Measures Curb Volatility

  • Rupee opens 10 paise higher at 93/USD
  • RBI's strict measures unwind offshore speculative positions
  • MPC meeting underway, rates expected unchanged
  • Global Brent crude prices rise amid geopolitical tensions
  • Domestic equity markets trade lower in early session
2 min read

Indian rupee opens 10 paise higher at 93 against US dollar

Indian rupee strengthens to 93 against USD as RBI's strict measures unwind offshore speculation. Focus shifts to MPC meeting and global oil prices.

"The rupee has gained around 2 per cent over the past week following the RBI's measures to curb volatility - Analysts"

New Delhi, April 6

The Indian rupee opened 10 paise higher at 93 against the US dollar on Monday, as traders continued to unwind speculative positions in the offshore non-deliverable forwards market.

The domestic currency was trading at 93 per dollar in early trade, compared to its previous close of 93.10. Currency and fixed income markets remained closed on April 3 on account of Good Friday.

The rupee has gained around 2 per cent over the past week following the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) measures to curb volatility and crack down on excessive speculation in offshore markets.

The central bank's recent directives -- among the strictest in over a decade -- have prompted banks to unwind arbitrage positions, impacting the multi-billion-dollar offshore market.

Traders are also closely watching Brent crude prices and foreign institutional investor (FII) flows, both of which continue to weigh on sentiment.

Attention will now shift to the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, which began on Monday and will conclude on April 8. Economists largely expect the central bank to keep interest rates unchanged.

Analysts said the dollar/rupee pair is currently trading in the 92.80-93 range after cooling from recent highs near 94.80, supported by the RBI intervention.

A move above 93 could push the pair towards the 93.50-93.80 zone, while immediate support is seen at 92.60-92.40. The near-term trend remains slightly positive, though direction will depend on dollar strength and global risk sentiment, according to analysts.

On the global front, market participants are tracking crude oil prices amid rising geopolitical tensions after US President Donald Trump set a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over supply disruptions.

The strategic shipping route, which handles over 20 per cent of global crude flows, has remained largely closed since late February following the escalation in conflict.

Brent crude was trading around $110 per barrel, up nearly 1 per cent from the previous session.

Meanwhile, domestic equity benchmarks were trading in the red, with the Sensex falling 529 points or 0.72 per cent to 72,790, while the Nifty declined 150 points or 0.66 per cent to 22,561 in early trade.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While a stronger rupee is positive, the stock market is falling. It feels like a mixed bag. The real impact will be felt by common people if petrol prices come down. Let's see what the MPC decides.
R
Rohit P
The RBI's measures are a step in the right direction, but we need to be careful. Too much intervention can sometimes backfire. The focus should be on attracting long-term FII flows, not just curbing speculation.
S
Sarah B
Interesting analysis. The link between the Strait of Hormuz situation and our currency is clear. India imports so much oil, any supply shock there immediately pressures the rupee. Geopolitics matters more than ever.
V
Vikram M
From 94.80 to 93 is a good move! Hope it continues. A stable rupee is crucial for business planning. Hope the MPC keeps rates steady as expected. Uncertainty is the biggest enemy for investors.
K
Kavya N
As an exporter, a slightly weaker rupee is better for us. But overall stability is most important. This volatility in the past weeks was very difficult to manage. Kudos to RBI for stepping in.

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