INR Under Stress as Market Eyes Q3 GDP Data Release
Rupee Under Pressure: Indian rupee trades around 91 vs dollar ahead of critical Q3 GDP data release on February 27. Currency faces headwinds from multiple fronts.
GDP Expectations Mixed:
SBI projects Q3 GDP at 8.1%, CareEdge estimates 7.2%. New base year (2022-23) revision makes comparisons difficult. Market awaits clarity on growth trajectory.
Trade Deficit Concerns:
Record $41.68 billion trade deficit, 50% US tariffs on exports, and rising oil/gold imports create sustained pressure on rupee fundamentals.
FII Flows Turn Positive:
Foreign investors bought ₹4,361 crore in February after 7-month selling streak. US-India trade deal optimism improves sentiment but volatility remains high.
RBI's Cautious Stance:
Central bank sold only $10.9 billion in Q3 vs $38 billion in Q4 2024. Adopts calibrated intervention approach, allowing gradual currency adjustment rather than defending levels.