The rupee on Thursday recovered from its record low to close 12 paise higher at 78.10 (provisional) against the American currency, tracking the overnight weakness of the dollar and falling crude oil prices.
The dollar index fell from its elevated levels after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 75 basis points in a historic move to fight inflation and projected a slowing economy and rising unemployment in the months to come, traders said.
At the interbank forex market, the rupee opened at 78.06 against the greenback and moved in a narrow range. It finally ended at 78.10, higher by 12 paise over its previous close.
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On Wednesday, the rupee had plunged 18 paise to close at a new all-time low of 78.22.
The dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, fell 0.13 per cent to 105.02.
Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 0.25 per cent to USD 118.21 per barrel.
“Even after higher trade deficit numbers, weaker regional currencies and risk-averse sentiments, the rupee got support from the fall in crude oil prices,” said Dilip Parmar, Research Analyst, HDFC Securities.
Parmar further noted that some relief rally in the rupee in the near-term is likely but odds of 78.50 are very much alive.
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“As the FOMC event is over, the focus will shift back to fund flows and risk moods for rupee movements,” Parmar said, adding that spot USD-INR is expected to consolidate in the range of 77.70 to 78.30 before heading north.
On the domestic equity market front, the BSE Sensex ended 1,045.60 points or 1.99 per cent lower at 51,495.79, while the broader NSE Nifty plunged 331.55 points or 2.11 per cent to 15,360.60.
Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst at LKP Securities said, “Rupee traded strong near 78.10 as WTI Crude prices have dropped strongly from $125 and now below $118 in Brent & below $115 in WTI giving relief to rupees buyers. Rupee traded in a range of 78.00-78.12. FED hiked rates by 0.75% The statement from FED seemed hawkish as indicated further hike will be seen till the time inflation is not in control towards 2%. The rupee broadly still seems to be in weakness till the time 77.50 is not crossed”
Foreign institutional investors were net sellers in the capital market on Wednesday as they offloaded shares worth Rs 3,531.15 crore, as per stock exchange data.
