USD/INR slips pre-open as RBI is said to intervene to steady rupee
The Indian rupee firmed in early offshore trade on Monday after market participants said the Reserve Bank of India likely sold dollars to curb volatility, with the central bank reportedly active in both the onshore spot and non-deliverable forwards (NDF) markets, according to four traders cited by Reuters.
Early moves and market color USD/INR edged lower ahead of the onshore opening, suggesting official dollar selling helped anchor the pair after recent weakness in the rupee. Pre-open liquidity is typically thin, amplifying the impact of any flow from public-sector banks thought to be acting on behalf of the RBI. Traders framed the action as a volatility-smoothing move rather than a defense of a particular level, consistent with the RBI’s established playbook.
Policy backdrop and FX dynamics The rupee has fallen more than 4% year-to-date in 2025, under pressure from a broadly firm US dollar, shifting global yield dynamics, and periodic risk-off episodes that have weighed on emerging-market FX. RBI interventions—often conducted discreetly—aim to stabilize liquidity conditions and prevent disorderly price action, keeping FX volatility contained while allowing trend forces to play out.
What traders are watching – Whether the central bank maintains a two-pronged approach via spot sales and NDF activity to cap intraday swings. – Incoming global macro prints and US rate expectations that could reprice dollar strength and EM risk appetite. – Local capital flows and month-end hedging demand, which may re-shape intraday liquidity and positioning.
Market Highlights – USD/INR traded lower in early offshore dealings before the onshore open. – Four traders told Reuters the RBI likely intervened in spot and NDF to support INR. – The rupee remains down more than 4% year-to-date 2025. – FX volatility stayed subdued amid signs of official presence.
Outlook With the rupee’s year-to-date depreciation and patchy global risk appetite, the RBI appears focused on ensuring orderly markets. Near-term direction for USD/INR will hinge on broader dollar moves, oil prices, and local flow dynamics, with any further official action likely to be opportunistic and aimed at smoothing intraday spikes rather than setting a hard line in the sand, analysts say. For continued coverage and real-time FX insights, follow BPayNews.
Q&A Q: What did the RBI reportedly do today? A: Traders cited by Reuters said the RBI likely sold dollars in the onshore spot market and in NDFs before the onshore opening to stabilize the rupee.
Q: Is the RBI defending a specific exchange-rate level? A: Market participants generally view the RBI’s approach as volatility management—leaning against disorderly moves—rather than defending a fixed level.
Q: Why has the rupee weakened this year? A: A strong US dollar, evolving global yield curves, and intermittent risk aversion have pressured emerging-market currencies, including the rupee.
Q: What is the NDF market? A: Non-deliverable forwards are offshore derivatives that allow participants to hedge or speculate on currencies like the rupee without physical delivery, often reflecting expectations ahead of the onshore session.
