The Indian rupee has moved within the expected range of 38.0 ~ 39.5 for the past few weeks as the Greek bailout unfolded and the Indian government presented the 2012 budget. As we near towards the end of first quarter its time to take stock of the old and new variables at play.
The Euro situation
It would be naive to say that the eurozone crisis is completely resolved. This is a temporary respite as policy makers try and reign in situations in Spain, Portugal and Italy which could spell bigger trouble. The general analyst consensus is for a weakening Euro. Any weakness in euro would be Rupee negative as it would impact exports
Interest rates in India
RBI paused the regime of interest rate hikes in its latest monetary policy statement. The tug here is between inflation and growth, the expectation is for RBI to start lowering rates in the second half of the year. Oil Prices as always would be a key here as a large part of foreign exchange outflows are used towards the oil bill. I am expecting rupee to move in the 48.5~51.5 range against USD for next few weeks.
One factor which could result in rupee weakness as a result of FII outflows is the new tax law that allows the Income tax department to charge corporations for past dealings.
Singapore Growth
The Singapore exports grew at a impressive 30% and another survey results highlighted Singapore economy to be most resilient of all Asian economies. This would attract investment flows into Singapore but the expectation is for SGD to stay around the 1.26 level against the USD.
Putting all these aspects together I am expecting INR to stay within the 38 ~ 40 range (widening it by 50p due to positives for SGD and INR negatives). The overall bias should still remain INR positive.
So my strategy would be convert at any rate above Rs.39.75 if you are looking to invest in India
Will it get to 50???? Only time will tell!! Tik tok
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Hitting is one thing sustaining is another…Rupee Hit 57 against USD but then what happened? Odd market events are always possible but those are market abbertions not the norm
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aditya now it is 45 any views on the current price ?
will it go up or down ?
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The move to 45 has caught me by surprise but I am not complaining :). I don’t expect it to rise any further unless India sovereign rating is downgraded. Given SBI has started reducing rates on deposits it might be a good time to lock higher rates but that of course depends on your investment goals
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will it go to 45 ??
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I don’t think so unless something to the scale of war or natural disaster happens.
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SGD is now at 42.7. Breached all records. I maintain my earlier view; INR is crap. SGD is safe haven 🙂
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