- Riskier Rupee (INR) rebounds from risk aversion sell off amid concerns over US economy
- Fears over a 2nd lockdown in India could limit gains to Rupee
- Indian covid-19 cases close in on 300,000, making it the fourth most affected nation
- At 10:15 UTC, US Dollar to Indian Rupee (USD/INR) trades -0.15% at 75.86
The Indian Rupee is advancing versus the US Dollar, rebounding after tumbling to trade at the lowest level since the end of April.
At 10:15 UTC USD/INR is trading -0.15% at 75.86. This is towards the lower end of the daily traded range, as the Rupee recovers from an earlier sell off which saw it reach 76.21.
Risk appetite is returning as Friday’s session continues after strong risk aversion saw investors sell out of perceived riskier assets and currencies, such as the Indian Rupee and move into safe havens such as the US Dollar.
Risk sentiment plunged lower following the Federal Reserve’s gloomy outlook for the US economy earlier in the week and amid rising concerns over a second wave of coronavirus infections in the US. Around 24 states in the America are seeing a rise in the number of covid-19 cases, including Texas, Florida and California. Investors were fearing that a second wave could see another stay at home order in place, which would be devastating for the US economy.
Risk sentiment has since picked up as investors are once again switching their attention towards the reopening of economies. US stocks which fell sharply yesterday, are pointing to a stronger open. As risk resets demand for the Rupee is lifting.
However, any gains in the Rupee could be limited as the number of coronavirus cases grow. India reported a record number of daily coronavirus cases on Friday and became the world’s fifth worst hit nation. Investors fear that the government could return the lockdown order, just days after it was lifted, in an attempt to bring the outbreak under control.
After 70 days of lockdown the government was anxious to reopen the economy with public transport, malls and offices reopening. However, cases rose by 10,956 from the previous day. This takes the total number of infections to almost 300,000, replacing Britain as the fourth worst affected country. The death toll sits at 8,498, considerably less that Britain’s 41,000.
Any second lockdown would be disastrous for the Indian economy, which is already on track for -5% -12% decline this fiscal year.
