The Indian rupee weakened by 28 paise to 95.64 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday, pressured by a strengthening greenback, rising crude oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Forex traders said growing concerns over global risk sentiment prompted investors to move towards safe-haven assets, boosting demand for the US dollar. The rupee came under additional pressure as crude oil prices remained elevated, raising concerns over India’s import bill and inflation outlook.
The domestic currency opened lower and extended its losses during the morning session as broader financial markets remained cautious. A sharp decline in Indian equity markets further weighed on sentiment, with foreign investors turning risk-averse amid global uncertainty.
Market participants are closely tracking developments in the Middle East, where escalating tensions have pushed oil prices higher. As India imports a significant portion of its crude oil requirements, any sustained rise in energy prices is seen as negative for the rupee and the country’s trade balance.
Despite the decline, forex experts believe the Reserve Bank of India will continue to monitor currency movements closely to ensure orderly market conditions. They noted that the rupee’s trajectory in the coming sessions will depend on crude oil prices, foreign fund flows and developments in global markets.
With geopolitical risks remaining elevated and volatility persisting across asset classes, traders expect the rupee to remain under pressure in the near term. Investors will also watch upcoming economic data and central bank signals for further direction in the currency market.
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