RBI FOREX RESERVES
FCNR(B) interest bill to keep dollar hedging costs high
As a multibillion-dollar FCNR(B) interest bill escalates, Indian banks grapple with increased dollar hedging expenses. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India mandated new reserve prerequisites for forex derivatives, compounding the challenges for banks that must secure cash reserves against these contracts. A significant number of Indian banks are currently without a robust hedging strategy, frequently depending on short-term contracts.
India's forex reserves fall $2.6 billion to $717 billion as of October 30
India's foreign exchange reserves fell by $2.691 billion to $717.056 billion in the week ended October 30, extending a decline from their September peak. Experts attribute the drawdown partly to the deployment of FCNR(B) funds and RBI's dollar sales to support the rupee, while foreign currency and gold assets declined.
Indian rupee strengthens past 94/$ as oil slides, foreign inflows return
The Indian rupee strengthened past 94 per dollar after regaining appeal among emerging-market currencies recently. Significant foreign inflows into Indian equities and a sharp fall in oil prices are key factors. Analysts suggest India's equity markets may attract global investments as concerns about AI infrastructure spending grow. The Reserve Bank of India announced measures to support the rupee against maintaining fluctuations.
India eases forex reporting rules for small value service exports, imports
The Reserve Bank of India has eased foreign exchange reporting rules for services exports and imports, reducing compliance requirements for resident individuals and setting a ₹1 million threshold for certain transactions. Resident individuals exporting services will be deemed to have filed export declarations after submitting payment details to banks, while reporting obligations for larger transactions and non-individual entities will continue.
Rupee falls 21 paise to 94.97 against US dollar in early trade
In the early hours of trading, the rupee fell by 21 paise to 94.97 against the US dollar, influenced by a firmer dollar along with local market dynamics. Although Brent crude prices decreased, which offered some support, the Reserve Bank of India’s interventions helped stabilize volatility. Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors actively purchased equities, contributing to notable rises in both the Sensex and Nifty indices.
India’s forex reserves fall $1.2 billion to $719.74 billion as of October 24
India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $1.2 billion to $719.74 billion in the week ended October 24, according to the RBI. The decline followed a sharper $5 billion drop in the previous week, when reserves stood at $721.02 billion, indicating continued pressure on the country's foreign exchange kitty.
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PSU vs private banks: The real story behind the Q2 divergence
Public sector banks are experiencing stronger net interest margin growth compared to their private counterparts this quarter. Despite facing margin pressures, private banks continue to show growth in profits and loan portfolios. The rising costs associated with funding and foreign currency deposits are impacting private banks' profitability. Corporate loan advances are increasing faster than retail loans across multiple private institutions.
Wary of RBI, banks back off from forex deals
The banks, using the easy rupee liquidity created after the inflow of deposits from the diaspora, bought dollars and invested the funds in US Treasury bills to earn higher returns. The transaction involved a buy-sell swap, where banks purchased dollars in the spot market and sold dollars in the forward market. The dollars generated through the swaps were deployed in US government papers, whose yields have risen in the past three months.
RBI rate hikes: How short-duration funds and high-quality corporate bonds can protect your debt portfolio
Investors must position fixed income portfolio for further rate hikes. But this cycle may look different.
Rupee falls 5 paise to 94.98 against US dollar in early trade
In early trading, the rupee was priced at 94.98 against the US dollar, slipping by 5 paise primarily due to high crude oil rates and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Despite the dollar index facing a slight decline of 0.15 percent, India's forex reserves have seen a downturn, potentially affecting the currency's stability. However, the Reserve Bank of India's timely intervention might bolster the rupee at lower trading levels.
RBI’s forward dollar sales surge to record $200 billion in August
The Reserve Bank of India recorded a net purchase of $43.26 billion in August's foreign exchange market. This was done to manage significant dollar inflows from the FCNR(B) scheme and overseas borrowings. Despite the net purchase, foreign exchange reserves did not increase due to large forex sell/buy swaps. By August 31, measures attracted over $127 billion, aiding the RBI's operations.
RBI flags rising inflation risks from West Asia conflict, El Nino despite resilient Indian economy
India's external sector shows resilience due to a narrowing trade gap and comfortable foreign exchange reserves. Inflationary pressures have intensified due to geopolitical tensions and supply-side bottlenecks. The RBI reported an increase in both industry and services indicators, showcasing economic strength. The IMF has revised India's growth projection for 2026-27 to 7% based on resilient domestic demand. Global financial volatility has increased amid global challenges and rising inflation risks.
RBI alert about AI-driven cyber risks, banks taking steps to plug vulnerabilities: Governor
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted concerns regarding emerging cyber threats from artificial intelligence in banking systems. Measures are being implemented by banks and the RBI to secure IT infrastructure against these risks. The State Bank of India acknowledged potential data exposure, prompting increased vigilance for customer protection. Malhotra expressed confidence in India's robust forex reserves and external sector resilience amid these challenges.
RBI does not target any specific Rupee level, focuses on curbing volatility, says Governor Sanjay Malhotra
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Friday said the central bank does not target any specific exchange rate or level for the rupee against the US dollar, stressing that its primary objective is to ensure orderly conditions in the foreign exchange market and prevent excessive volatility.
India’s forex reserves fall $5 billion to $721.02 billion as of October 16
India's foreign exchange reserves fell by $5 billion to reach $721.02 billion for the week ending October 16. Previously, reserves declined by $8.578 billion to an amount of $726.027 billion. The decline in reserves reflects ongoing economic conditions impacting forex stability within the country. This trend indicates a continued volatility in India's foreign exchange market and its implications for the economy.
Banking liquidity surplus shrinks to Rs 541 crore as cash crunch increases
Liquidity surplus in the banking system was reported at ₹541 crore as of October 21. Banks have increased fund parking to meet their daily cash reserve requirements of 99%. The weighted average call rate (WACR) rose to 5.65%, which is 15 bps higher than the repo rate. The Reserve Bank of India conducted variable rate repo operations to manage systemic liquidity.
Why is the RBI pulling liquidity out of banks and injecting it back again?
Reserve Bank of India has significantly reduced banking system liquidity from a peak surplus in a short time. Liquidity surged after banks received funds from overseas Indians under the FCNR(B) scheme. The central bank utilized reverse repo auctions and cash reserve ratio adjustments to absorb this surplus effectively. As overnight rates increased following these liquidity measures, RBI temporarily infused funds to manage sharp rate rises.
RBI injects Rs 1 lakh crore as liquidity tightens before festive season
On Monday, the RBI announced a Rs 1-lakh-crore variable rate repo (VRR) auction for the first time since late July after the weighted average call rate (WACR) at 5.67% on Monday, or 17 basis points higher than the repo rate of 5.50%. The central bank will conduct another VRR for Rs 50,000 crore on Wednesday.
Correcting rupee against fundamentals ultimately futile, says RBI's ex-guv Subbarao
D Subbarao advocates for allowing the rupee to find its level based on economic fundamentals. He criticizes costly short-term measures that do not address structural issues behind capital outflows. The rupee's recent recovery followed the Reserve Bank of India's measures to reduce dollar demand. Subbarao highlights the importance of tax reforms to attract foreign investment in India.
Rupee rises 1.9% in a week, closes below 95 per dollar
The Indian rupee strengthened 1.9% this week to close at 94.96 per dollar, its strongest weekly gain in seven months. Aggressive RBI measures curbed dollar demand, while a weaker dollar index supported the currency despite corporate buying pressure.
India's forex reserves shed $60 billion in six weeks as RBI steps in to support rupee, one of Asia's worst-performing currencies this year
India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by nearly $60 billion in six weeks to $726.027 billion as of October 9, from a record high of $785.706 billion on September 4. The fall was largely attributed to the Reserve Bank of India’s intervention to support the rupee amid rising crude oil prices, higher US yields and sustained foreign investor outflows. Foreign currency assets and gold reserves also recorded significant declines during the reporting week.
India's forex reserves drop by $8.58 billion to $726.03 billion in week ended October 9: RBI
India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $8.578 billion to $726.027 billion in the week ended October 9, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The decline followed a $12.952 billion drop in the previous week. Foreign currency assets and gold reserves recorded significant declines, while special drawing rights and India’s reserve position with the IMF also fell.
Indian bonds hang tight ahead of supply
Indian government bonds remained stable on Friday as traders contemplated the central bank's forthcoming policy moves. A noteworthy auction of 10-year bonds is on the horizon, anticipated to shed light on market demand and interest. Recent shifts in US Treasury yields have bolstered the Indian market. The Reserve Bank of India is fine-tuning financial conditions to cope with capital outflows and escalating shorting costs of the rupee.
RBI clarifies interbank trades, ECBs coupons not part of FERR
Reserve Bank of India recently clarified the applicability of foreign exchange risk reserve for banks. The requirement does not apply to banks engaging in market-making or proprietary trading. It will also not affect interest on External Commercial Borrowings or dividends payable to non-resident investors. The FERR must be maintained until one day after the derivative contract's termination.
Rupee strengthens to 95.05 a dollar while forward premiums hit four-year high amid RBI measures
The rupee concluded the day on Thursday with a gain of 10 paise, reaching 95.05 against the dollar. This strengthening occurred as forward premiums climbed to levels not seen in more than four years, creating a climate of uncertainty. The Reserve Bank of India took actions that impacted substantial forex derivatives, elevating hedging expenses.
IMF applauds India’s GDP data revamp, says currency pain is no sign of failure as country entered energy shock with strong fundamentals
The International Monetary Fund has raised India's growth forecast to 7% for this year and next. India is seen as having strong fundamentals which allow it to manage external pressures effectively. The exchange rate fluctuations are not indicative of economic failure according to IMF officials. Structural reforms and domestic demand contribute to India's resilience in the global economy. However, risks such as geopolitical tensions and fiscal pressures remain present.
Rupee jumps 82 paise to 94.96 against US dollar in early trade
In early trading, the rupee appreciated by 82 paise against the US dollar, hitting 94.96, thanks to strategic moves by the Reserve Bank of India aimed at curbing dollar demand. Key actions included establishing a dedicated dollar window for oil firms and raising costs for hedging. Meanwhile, Brent crude prices fell to USD 105.47 per barrel, and retail inflation in India surged to 5.
Rupee rebounds nearly 1% after RBI moves to curb speculative trades
The rupee rebounded nearly 1% to 95.77 per dollar on Monday after the RBI announced measures to curb speculative currency trades. A special window for state-owned oil marketing companies eased spot-market pressure, though dollar buying by importers and corporates capped gains. Elevated crude prices and global uncertainties continue to weigh on the currency.
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