The Indian rupee increased by 2 paise to 83.30 against the US dollar in opening trade, benefiting from a correction in crude oil prices and positive movements in local equities.
Despite Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) outflows, the rupee found support as the US dollar weakened against major global currencies.
Support from the Weakening US Dollar:
The US dollar displayed weakness against its major global rivals, contributing to the positive sentiment for the Indian rupee.
This support came despite FII outflows, highlighting the impact of the US currency’s broader movements on the rupee’s performance.
Asian Markets Hold Steady:
Asian shares remained flat on Thursday, maintaining gains for the week as confidence grew in expectations of lower global interest rates next year.
Markets focused on Chinese policymakers for potential support for the property market and broader growth targets.
The MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index edged down 0.11%, with Japanese markets closed for a national holiday and the US observing Thanksgiving.
Market Sentiment Amid Global Factors:
Investors’ confidence in lower interest rates globally contributed to the positive sentiment in Asian markets.
The US market, discounting the likelihood of another rate hike in December, absorbed strong weekly jobs data.
Japanese markets, approaching a three-decade high, were closed for a holiday. Overall, trading was expected to be quiet due to the Thanksgiving holiday in the US.
Chinese Market Developments:
China’s benchmark share index fell 0.3%, with a focus on the real estate sub-index, down 0.8%.
A wealth manager with exposure to the property market disclosed potential insolvency, impacting Chinese markets.
Government advisers in China recommended economic growth targets of 4.5% to 5.5% for next year.
Global Market Buoyancy:
Global markets have been buoyant this month, with positive expectations driven by a perceived more benign interest rate environment.
Stocks rallied as investors anticipated a favorable backdrop for interest rates, contributing to a generally positive market atmosphere.
