Rupee falls 4 paise to close at all-time low of ₹82.34 against U.S. dollar

The rupee pared most of its initial losses and settled 4 paise lower at a fresh lifetime low of ₹82.34 (provisional) against the U.S. dollar on Monday, weighed down by as risk-averse sentiment among investors.

Moreover, a negative trend in domestic equities and a firm greenback overseas sapped investor appetite, forex traders said.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local currency opened at ₹82.68, then fell further to an all-time intra-day low of ₹82.69.

According to forex traders, the local unit pared initial losses on possible central bank intervention and finally settled for the day at an all-time low of ₹82.34 against the American currency, down 4 paise over its previous close.

On Friday, the rupee had depreciated by 13 paise to close at ₹82.30.

“The Indian rupee pared opening losses on possible central bank intervention and corporate inflows… lower crude oil prices also supported the rupee in today’s session,” said Dilip Parmar, Research Analyst, HDFC Securities.

However, the directional trend remains bearish for the rupee amid tighter liquidity conditions and risk-averse sentiments, Mr. Parmar said, adding, “Spot USD-INR is having near-term resistance at 82.90 and support at 81.95.” Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, advanced 0.23% to 113.05.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures fell 0.71% to $97.22 per barrel.

Foreign institutional investors were net sellers in the capital market on Friday as they offloaded shares worth ₹2,250.77 crore, as per exchange data.