Weakness across Asian FX before Fed decision to put mild pressure on Indian rupee
MUMBAI: The Indian rupee may open marginally weaker on Wednesday, tracking losses across most Asian peers, with investors awaiting the Federal Reserve’s policy decision after local market hours for clues on the outlook for further rate hikes. The Indian rupee is expected to open in the 95.12-95.16 range, per traders, having settled 0.1% higher at 95.1150 to the dollar on Tuesday. The rupee…
Mumbai, India saw the Indian rupee potentially opening weaker on Wednesday, mirroring declines in most Asian currencies. Traders anticipate the Federal Reserve's policy decision following local market hours for insights on possible further rate hikes. The rupee was projected to open between 95.12 and 95.16 per dollar, up 0.1% from Tuesday's close of 95.1150.
It had briefly recovered to 95.24 intraday, thanks to dollar sales by state banks, possibly on behalf of the Reserve Bank of India. Traders consider 95.30 a critical support level. The rupee's stability, despite rising oil prices, suggests the Reserve Bank's intervention to mitigate currency pressure, keeping the exchange rate relatively stable around the 95-dollar mark.
Brent crude prices increased by 1.6% to $115.74 per barrel, driven by a refinery attack in Saudi Arabia, reigniting Middle East supply risks. While the Indian rupee benefited from the RBI's special window for refiners to buy dollars, persistent high oil prices remain a concern for the currency's outlook and capital flows. The Federal Reserve is expected to keep rates unchanged on Wednesday, but inflation concerns suggest the pause might be temporary, with potential further hikes.
Analysts at ING Bank expect a December rate increase, with three dissenters potentially advocating for a hike.
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