inr-bank-notes - INR
  • Indian Rupee (INR) moves lower as global covid cases rise
  • Oil falls for 5th day
  • US Dollar (USD) extends gains after hawkish FOMC minutes
  • US jobless claims fell by more than forecast

The US Dollar Indian Rupee (USD/INR) exchange rate is heading higher on Thursday paring losses from the previous session. The pair settled -0.11% lower on Wednesday at 74.28. At 16:30 UTC, USD/INR trades +0.14% lower at 74.38.

The Indian Rupee slumped lower in risk off trade. Risk aversion dominated as investors became increasingly concerned over rising COVID cases as the delta variant spreads rapidly across Asia where vaccinations rates are lower. Parts of the US where vaccination rates are low are also seeing cases rise.

In India daily cases are around 35,000. However, concerns are growing that as children return to school unvaccinated a third wave will begin.

Separately oil prices continue to fall. Oil is extending losses for the fifth straight day amid concerns that rising covid cases will impact demand and on the stronger US Dollar.

The US Dollar is trading higher across the board on Thursday. The US Dollar Index, which measures the greenback versus a basket of major currencies trades +0.27% at the time of writing at 93.48 in its fourth straight day of gains.

The US Dollar has rallied extending gains following a hawkish tone to the minutes from the July FOMC meeting. The minutes revealed that policy makers are preparing to taper bond purchases likely before the end of the year.

Policy makers have repeatedly stated that tapering of bond purchases will happen first with an interest rate hike unlikely until the tapering process has been completed. The minutes from the FOMC are being seen as a potential precursor to the Jackson Hole Economic Forum due at the end of the month. Expectations are growing that the Fed will use this as a platform to lay the groundwork for tapering.

Datawise US jobless claims fell by 343,000, down from 375,000 the previous week and ahead of the 363,000 forecast. The data revealed that the recovery in the US  labour market continues at a steady rate.