Rupee ends lower on Friday

15 Mar 2024 Evaluate

Indian rupee ended lower against the dollar on Friday weighed down by unabated foreign fund outflows and a negative trend in domestic equities. Traders got cautious, as the commerce ministry said that India's merchandise trade deficit widened to $18.71 billion in February from $17.49 billion in January. The trade deficit stood at $16.57 billion in February 2023. While the trade deficit widened in February, exports rose by 11.9 percent to $41.40 billion, while imports increased by 12.2 percent on a year-on basis to $60.11 billion. Traders overlooked the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) report that new unicorns are likely to add $1 trillion to the Indian economy, which would reach $7 trillion size by 2030, and add 50 million new jobs. Startup firms valued over $1 billion are categorised as unicorns. On the global front, the dollar was firm on Friday and set to snap a three-week losing streak as hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation data stoked worries about when and by how much the Federal Reserve would start cutting interest rates this year. 

Finally, the rupee ended at 82.86 (Provisional), weaker by 2 paise from its previous close of 82.84 on Thursday. The currency touched a high and low of 82.96 and 82.85 respectively.

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