Rupee Snaps Two-Day Rally, Settles at 94.60 Against US Dollar

The Indian rupee halted its recent recovery on Tuesday, closing 2 paise lower at 94.60 against the US dollar. This slight decline ended a two-session gaining streak, even as global geopolitical tensions eased and crude oil prices saw a significant drop.

Geopolitical De-escalation and the Oil Factor

Despite the minor setback, the rupee found fundamental support from shifting dynamics in West Asia. Optimism surrounding a potential US-Iran peace framework agreement has significantly impacted global energy markets. This development is expected to lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

The impact of these geopolitical shifts was immediately visible in the commodities market. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, fell by 1.68 per cent to trade at $81.77 per barrel. For an economy like India, which relies on imports for nearly 90 per cent of its oil requirements, such price drops act as a vital cushion for the domestic currency.

FII Outflows Counteract Positive Sentiment

While global factors provided a tailwind, domestic equity market trends acted as a headwind. Although Indian benchmarks ended the day on a high note—with the BSE Sensex rising 544.15 points to 76,808.48 and the NSE Nifty gaining 135.25 points to close at 23,989.15—the movement of foreign capital was a concern.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) remained net sellers during the session, offloading equities worth ₹749.18 crore. These capital outflows from the Indian equity markets exerted downward pressure on the rupee, preventing it from capitalizing on the broader market rally and the slightly lower US Dollar Index, which stood at 99.61.

Market Outlook: Range-Bound Movement Ahead

Expert analysts suggest that the rupee is likely to enter a period of consolidation with a slight downward bias. Trading ranges are expected to stay within specific corridors as the market digests the upcoming formal signing of the peace deal in Switzerland.

Les experts de marché de Mirae Asset Sharekhan prévoient que le cours au comptant USD-INR évoluera dans une fourchette de 94,10 à 94,90. Parallèlement, les analystes de HDFC Securities suggèrent que, bien que la devise puisse graviter vers le niveau de 94,10 à court terme, tout mouvement correctif à la hausse rencontrera probablement une forte résistance au seuil de 95,20.

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