INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Earlier this week, the rupee (INR) breached 68 level against the US dollar (USD).
After posting strong gains against the US dollar in 2017, the rupee has fallen sharply against the
The rupee is down about 6 per cent so far this year against the US dollar
On Wednesday, May 16, the rupee hit a 16-month low of 68.13, before pulling back towards 67.50 levels the next day
Despite the pullback, some experts believe that the possibility of the rupee heading towards the 70 mark against the US dollar is increasing
"Macros are stacked against the rupeeand the possibility of rupee hitting 70 soon is increasing," forex advisory firm IFA Global said in a
note."The current bout of rupee weakness does not just seem like a passing phase
The inflation dynamics have changed
India is vulnerable to rising crude prices," IFA Global said.1) Global oil prices have crept closer to $80 per barrel, a level it has not
seen since November 2014, as supplies tighten while demand remains strong
ANZ bank said on Thursday that Brent was "now threatening to break through $80 per barrel(as) geopolitical risks continue to support prices"
ANZ also said the falling US inventories were "raising concerns of tight markets heading into the US driving season", during which demand
India imports bulk of its oil imports and higher crude prices puts pressure on domestic inflation and current account and fiscal deficits.2)
India's annual retail and wholesale inflation accelerated in April, mainly due to higher fuel and food prices
Some economists have changed their views to expect a more hawkish Reserve Bank of India (RBI) at its next policy meeting next month.3) Trade
deficit widened to $13.72 billion in April from $13.25 billion a year ago and could rise further with India importing 80 per cent of its oil
needs.4) Sharply rising US dollar yields have boosted the dollar against a basket of other major currencies
The increase in US bond yields have helped buoy the dollar, which has gained 1.5 per cent against a basket of six major currencies so far
US 10-year Treasury yields have risen to an almost 7-year high after data this week showed a solid rise in US retail sales, suggesting the
world's biggest economy is on a stronger footing in the second quarter.5) Outflows from domestic capital markets have also contributed to
Foreign investors have pulled $3.3 billion from Indian bonds this year, adding to the relentless selling by state-owned lenders
The Indian 10-year benchmark bond yield rose to 7.90 per cent this week, the highest since August 2015
The benchmark 10-year yield is likely to be at about 7.83 per cent by year-end, and edge higher to 7.87 per cent by March-end, according to
a Bloomberg poll of 10 analysts.
