Tuesday, May 23, 2017

INR update: Increasing Trade deficit driving USDINR?

Merkel comments on the Euro (Germany’s trade surplus is because of a weaker Euro) indicate that there is some pressure on Germany from USA to correct the trade imbalance. It was not yesterday that Euro weakened or German trade surplus increased so the timing of the comment indicates that in the background there have been talks of how a weaker Euro is hurting the US. This comment coupled with ECB statements indicating confidence last week, and the data release from the EU, indicates that the Euro might be heading to 1.15 and higher.

FED speakers called for 2 more rate hikes today morning although Harker did not speak on monetary policy. Looking at US 10Y Yields, USDJPY and equities, the risk off created due to US political uncertainty is not over as yet and therefore that will be my baseline theme for market action immediately.


USDINR 1m NDF has moved right and is trading 5p lower only. KRW has depreciated slightly since yesterday while Indian equities are in the red. The buying in USDINR shows that there is some India specific outflow/factors which is driving the pair higher, could be the increasing trade deficit story (April was -13b $ as compared to -10b $ in March) and seasonality thereof; but still a conjecture. Debt inflows continue indicating a positive view on India as far as FPIs are concerned which gives weight to the trade deficit hypothesis. I would continue to expect 65 – 65.25 on USDINR in May. CMP 64.78, Range 64.70-64.95.

No comments:

Post a Comment