Why Did the Rupee Open Higher Before the RBI Policy, While MCX Gold Slips?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gold prices on MCX dipped slightly in anticipation of the RBI's announcement.
- The Indian rupee recovered against the dollar, reaching 89.80.
- Experts are divided on the potential outcomes of the RBI's meeting.
- Global investors are awaiting US inflation data.
- Market fluctuations highlight the importance of economic indicators.
Mumbai, December 5 (NationPress) In the early hours of trading on Friday, gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) experienced a slight decline as market participants awaited the decision from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regarding its monetary policy. Despite this dip, a weaker US dollar and consistent demand in the spot market helped to moderate the decrease in gold prices.
Before the policy announcement, MCX gold February futures were down by 0.14% at Rs 1,29,892 for every 10 grams, whereas MCX silver March contracts saw an increase of 0.74%, trading at Rs 1,79,461 per kg.
Traders are keenly observing the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, with experts divided on the potential announcements, given the recent mixed macroeconomic indicators.
While India’s headline GDP growth remains robust, there are concerns due to weak nominal GDP figures and sluggish manufacturing activity, fueling expectations for a 25-basis-point rate cut.
On a global scale, investors are also anticipating US inflation data set to be released later today. This data could significantly influence expectations regarding the next policy decisions of the US Federal Reserve, especially after recent mixed economic reports from the US have introduced uncertainty.
In other developments, the Indian rupee made a recovery in early trading on Friday, appreciating by 9 paise to 89.80 against the US dollar ahead of the RBI policy announcement. This rebound follows a tumultuous week for the currency, during which the rupee repeatedly hit new record lows.
On Thursday, the rupee opened at 90.36 in the interbank foreign exchange market but later strengthened, closing at 89.89, marking a gain of 26 paise. This recovery was aided by a decline in the US dollar index and potential interventions by the RBI.
Earlier in the week, the rupee had crossed the 90-mark for the first time, closing at 90.15 amid pressures from foreign investor selling, rising crude oil prices, and uncertainty surrounding the delayed India–US trade agreement.