Over the last few weeks, India has been witnessing a sudden drop in the value of the Indian rupee, with the bond yields jumping up to a 4-month high. According to reports, the primary reason behind this sudden fall is believed to be the hawkish signals sent out by the US Federal Reserve which have impacted other global currencies as well, including the Indian rupee.
The US Federal Reserve has indicated that it intends to begin tapering its bond purchases later this year, which could mean less liquidity in the market and higher interest rates. This has resulted in a surge in bond yields, which have jumped up by almost 15 basis points, the highest since April this year. The bond market, which is the most significant driver of the economy, has responded negatively to these signals and has resulted in a drop in the value of the Indian rupee.
The fall in the rupee’s value is a considerable concern for India’s import-dependent economy, as it may lead to a surge in import prices, resulting in a higher inflation rate, which would impede the country’s growth and economic recovery. The Indian rupee has already fallen by over 3% in the last few weeks, reaching its lowest level in almost a year.
Apart from the US Federal Reserve’s signals, several other factors have contributed to the fall in the rupee’s value. One of the most significant factors is the rising crude oil prices, which are currently hovering around $80 per barrel. India, being a major importer of crude oil, would bear the brunt of these surging prices, leading to a drain on foreign exchange reserves and impacting the country’s overall financial stability.
Besides, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a massive challenge to India’s economy. While the country may have entered the post-pandemic phase, the economic recovery has been slow, and several sectors have yet to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels. This scenario has led to a drop in the country’s GDP growth rate, which has resulted in a weaker rupee.
The drop in the rupee’s value is also reflected in the Indian stock markets, which have been in the red for the last few weeks. The benchmark Sensex index has fallen by over 4% in the last week alone, resulting in a loss of market share capitalization of over Rs.6 lakh crore. This scenario has led to a drop in investor confidence, with several speculators opting to adopt a wait-and-watch policy before investing in the Indian markets.
To counter the economic challenges posed by the falling rupee and rising bond yields, several measures have been proposed. One of the most significant proposals is the adoption of a policy focusing on increasing exports, which would help to balance the outflow of foreign currency and shore up the country’s foreign exchange reserves. This policy would include offering incentives to exporters, facilitating the creation of export-focused infrastructure, and easing regulatory compliance burden for exporters.
Another proposed measure is the rationalization of import duties on critical inputs such as petroleum, coal, and minerals, which would help in reducing input costs for various sectors and lower their financial burden. Additionally, the government may also announce incentives to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce the country’s reliance on imports, thereby boosting the overall economy.
Moreover, the Reserve Bank of India may opt to increase interest rates, which would help in stabilizing the bond market and improving the value of the rupee. Higher interest rates would also help in controlling inflation, which would be a boon for the country’s economy. However, this scenario may not be feasible in the current economic environment, as a hike in interest rates may impede the country’s growth and economic recovery.
In conclusion, the fall in the value of the Indian rupee and the surge in bond yields have posed significant challenges to India’s economy. While several measures have been proposed to counter these challenges, it remains to be seen how they would be implemented and whether they would be effective in restoring the country’s financial stability. The current scenario calls for a judicious approach from policymakers, traders, and investors to ensure that the country’s economy bounces back quickly and attains sustainable growth.