USD/INR strengthens ahead of US CPI data, Indian Rupee hits record low

• The Indian Rupee softens in Wednesday’s early European session. 
• Strong USD demand and considerable foreign institutional outflows weigh on the INR. 
• Traders await the US October CPI inflation data on Wednesday for fresh impetus. 

The Indian Rupee (INR) trades in negative territory on Wednesday after reaching a fresh all-time low in the previous session. The local currency is under pressure due to substantial foreign institutional outflows and heightened US Dollar (USD) demand. 

Despite a strengthening Greenback and outflows from local stocks, the downside for the INR might be limited amid routine interventions from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to sell the USD to stabilize the currency. Later on Wednesday, traders will closely monitor the US October Consumer Price Index (CPI), along with the speeches from John Williams, Lorie Logan, Jeffrey Schmid and Alberto Musalem. 

Indian Rupee seems vulnerable ahead of key US CPI inflation data

• India's retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to a 14-month high at 6.21% YoY in October versus 5.49% prior, higher than the 5.81% expected. 
• India’s food inflation jumped to 10.87% from 9.24% in September 2024 and 6.61% in October 2023, according to the latest official data released on Tuesday. 
• Indian Industrial Production grew by 3.1% YoY in September from a decline of 0.1% in August. This figure came in better than the estimation of 2.5%. 
• Foreign investors withdrew nearly $3 billion from local stocks in November, adding to the $11 billion of outflows in October.
• Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari said on Tuesday that the Fed feels confident about its long-running battle with transitory inflation, but it’s premature to declare outright victory. Kashkari further stated that the US central bank won't model Trump policies' effect on the economy until they become clear.
• Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin noted on Tuesday that while inflation appears to be coming down, it might still get stuck above the Fed's target levels.

USD/INR’s positive outlook remains in play in the longer term

The Indian Rupee softens on the day. The constructive view of the USD/INR pair remains unchanged on the daily chart, with the price holding above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). However, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) exceeds 70, indicating an overbought condition. This suggests that further consolidation cannot be ruled out before positioning for any near-term USD/INR appreciation. 

The immediate resistance level for USD/INR emerges at 84.50. A break above this level could draw in enough bullish pressure to the 85.00 psychological level.

In the bearish event, sustained trading below the resistance-turned-support level at 84.30 could expose the 84.05-84.10 region, representing the lower limit of the trend channel and the high of October 11. The next downside filter to watch is 83.85, the 100-day EMA.

RBI FAQs

What is the role of the Reserve Bank of India?

The role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its own words, is "..to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth.” This involves maintaining the inflation rate at a stable 4% level primarily using the tool of interest rates. The RBI also maintains the exchange rate at a level that will not cause excess volatility and problems for exporters and importers, since India’s economy is heavily reliant on foreign trade, especially Oil.

How do the decisions of the Reserve Bank of India affect the Rupee?

The RBI formally meets at six bi-monthly meetings a year to discuss its monetary policy and, if necessary, adjust interest rates. When inflation is too high (above its 4% target), the RBI will normally raise interest rates to deter borrowing and spending, which can support the Rupee (INR). If inflation falls too far below target, the RBI might cut rates to encourage more lending, which can be negative for INR.

Does the Reserve Bank of India directly intervene in FX markets?

Due to the importance of trade to the economy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) actively intervenes in FX markets to maintain the exchange rate within a limited range. It does this to ensure Indian importers and exporters are not exposed to unnecessary currency risk during periods of FX volatility. The RBI buys and sells Rupees in the spot market at key levels, and uses derivatives to hedge its positions.

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