Is the Indian Rupee Gaining Momentum After the US Trade Agreement?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Indian rupee has appreciated by more than 1 percent on Tuesday, trading at 90.29 against the US dollar. This increase follows a recent India-US trade agreement that has ignited investor enthusiasm and attracted foreign investments.
The local currency had a closing value of 91.53 on Monday, marking a two-week peak with a gain of 48 paise from the previous session. This surge comes after the Reserve Bank of India reportedly intervened in the spot market.
Experts noted that the rupee's rise against the dollar was observed before it stabilized within the 90.20–91.20 range. The current levels are a result of a corrective pullback after failing to maintain levels above 92.
According to market participants, "The pullback is corrective in nature, maintaining the broader higher-high, higher-low structure on higher time frames."
Analysts indicated that the near-term technical structure remains positive, with a breach below 90.50–90.80 potentially leading to levels of 90–89.80.
A weaker dollar-rupee relationship is limiting gains in MCX bullion, although the medium-term outlook for precious metals appears favorable.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump unveiled a trade deal with India that includes a reduction in reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 percent to 18 percent, following a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The agreement is also said to encompass India's commitment to reducing purchases of Russian oil and increasing imports from the United States and possibly Venezuela.
Experts believe that the diminished trade uncertainty resulting from the India-US trade deal may attract foreign investments into Indian equities and debt, thereby enhancing demand for the rupee. However, market participants are wary, as the Reserve Bank's policy in the coming sessions will be under scrutiny.
The combination of the US-India trade deal, the EU-India trade agreement, and a growth-oriented Budget is anticipated to improve market sentiments and trigger immediate foreign capital inflows, potentially altering India's Balance of Payments (BoP) position.
aar/na