The local currency closed at 83.7275 per US dollar on Friday, versus the previous close of 83.6975/$1, LSEG data showed. The rupee has weakened for four out of five trading sessions this week. On a weekly basis, the currency weakened 0.1%
The RBI has been buying dollars and is keeping a tab presently on 83.72, not letting the rupee depreciate beyond certain levels, dealers said. The Reserve Bank of India intervenes in the spot market to prevent sharp fluctuations in the rupee.
Brent oil prices rose marginally to $81.93 per barrel on Friday according to Reuters, after weakening to $80.25 per barrel during the week due to uncertainty of a ceasefire in Gaza.
A rise in crude oil prices poses upside risks to Indias’ trade deficit and inflation as the country is a major importer of the commodity.
The market now awaits the US personal consumption expenditure (PCE) data that would be released after market hours on Friday, along with further guidance on a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.
“The Fed is expected to keep rates constant but could give indications of rate guidance going forward when the FOMC data is released on 31st July”, said Anil Bhansali, Head of Treasury at Finrex Treasury Advisors.
Dealers are expecting the Fed to hold rates steady at a target of 5.25%-5.50% in the The US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), as the Fed still waits for inflation to ease a bit more.
The 10-year benchmark government bond yields in India eased by 2 basis points, closing at 6.94% on Friday, versus the previous close of 6.95% after a fiscal consolidation was proposed in the union budget earlier this week.
“Lower fiscal deficit and the forward guidance has given the market comfort. Investors are more confident of future debt as well”, said Naveen Singh, Head of Trading at ICICI Securities Primary Dealers