NEW DELHI, Aug 1: The rupee appreciated by 22 paise to close at ₹79.02 (provisional) against the U.S. dollar on Monday on risk-on sentiments, decline in crude oil prices and weak American currency.
At the interbank forex market, the local unit opened higher at ₹79.16 on gains in stocks and fall in crude oil.
The rupee touched a high of ₹79.00 and a low of ₹79.22 before settling at ₹79.02 (provisional). In the previous session, the rupee had closed at ₹79.24 against the U.S. dollar.
The dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was down 0.52% at 105.34.
Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 1.21% to $102.71 per barrel.
According to Anuj Choudhary – Research Analyst at Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, Indian rupee appreciated on risk-on sentiments, decline in crude oil prices and weak U.S. Dollar.
Moreover, India’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 56.4 in July compared to 53.9 in June, and this also supported the rupee.
“We expect Rupee to trade mixed to positive on weak US Dollar and positive global risk sentiments. FII inflows and weak crude oil prices may also support Rupee. However, concerns over global recession and worries over inflation may sharp upside.
“Markets may also take cues from US ISM manufacturing data today and RBI’s monetary policy outcome towards the end of the week. USDINR spot price is expected to trade in a range of Rs 78.50 to Rs 80 in next couple of sessions,” Mr. Choudhary said.
On the domestic equity market front, the BSE Sensex ended 545.25 points or 0.95% higher at 58,115.50, while the broader NSE Nifty advanced 181.80 points or 1.06% to 17,340.05.
Foreign institutional investors were net buyers in the capital market on Friday, purchasing shares worth ₹1,046.32 crore, as per exchange data. (Agencies)