In step with local stocks, the rupee surrendered initial gains and declined 36 paise to a one-month low of 62.26 against the dollar today amid demand from importers as the US currency strengthened overseas.
At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee started on a stable note from the previous close of 61.90 and climbed to the day’s high of 61.74 as local stocks advanced.
However, the local currency fell sharply to a low of 62.28 after a drop in the domestic equity market amid weak European cues and a decline in manufacturing data in December.
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The rupee closed at 62.26, a fall of 36 paise or 0.58 per cent, adding to yesterday’s 10—paise loss. The currency is at the lowest closing level since it reached 62.36 on December 3.
“Negative closing in the local stock markets and strengthening dollar index led to weakness in the rupee. Other than this, a large petrochemical company is said to have bought dollars from the market, which put pressure on the rupee,” said Abhishek Goenka, CEO of India Forex Advisors.
The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, a measure of factory production, dropped to 50.7 in December from 51.3 in November. A reading above 50 indicates growth.
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The benchmark 30—share S&P BSE Sensex tumbled 252.15 points, or 1.19 per cent, erasing the day’s gains. Foreign institutional investors bought shares worth a net Rs 10.16 crore yesterday, according to provisional data.
The dollar index, which measures the US currency against six major global rivals, was up 0.15 per cent ahead of US manufacturing data.
“After a strong opening, the rupee decreased and closed on a weaker note against the dollar, taking cues from negative local equities,” said Pramit Brahmbhatt, CEO of Alpari Financial Services (India). “The dollar index...is trading strong.”