Indian Rupee Gains 25 Paise as RBI Reduces Dollar Demand from Oil Companies
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, April 17 (NationPress) The Indian rupee appreciated by 25 paise to ₹92.95 against the US dollar during early trading on Friday, aided by reduced demand for dollars following the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s directive to state-owned oil refiners to utilize a designated credit line instead of purchasing dollars.
After concluding the previous session at ₹93.20, the domestic currency opened on a stronger note, buoyed by positive sentiment in the local equity markets and hopes for a reduction in geopolitical tensions.
However, the rupee faced some limitations due to a robust US dollar in the global markets.
In parallel, precious metals including gold and silver experienced a volatile trading day.
Gold futures (June 5) were priced at ₹1,53,250, reflecting an increase of ₹98 or 0.06%. The yellow metal reached an intraday peak of ₹1,53,301, climbing ₹149 or 0.09%, while it dipped to ₹1,53,010, a decrease of ₹142 or 0.09%.
Conversely, silver futures (May 5) surged by 0.83% or ₹2,088, achieving an intraday high of ₹2,50,716. The white metal also touched a low of ₹2,49,300, reflecting an increase of ₹672 or 0.27%.
Commodity market analysts expressed a cautiously optimistic outlook, indicating that macroeconomic factors are providing some backing. However, they noted that a significant breakthrough above resistance levels is necessary for enhanced momentum.
Regarding silver, the experts mentioned a vigilant stance, with macroeconomic indicators offering some assistance, yet emphasizing the need for confirmation of a sustained upward trend.
On the global oil front, Brent crude was trading at $97.99 per barrel, down over 1%.
Likewise, US WTI crude dipped nearly 2% to hit an intraday low of $92.91.
Geopolitically, market sentiment improved following reports of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, alongside anticipations of progress in discussions between the US and Iran.
In the domestic stock market, benchmark indices opened on a flat-to-positive note, contributing to the rupee's support.