Rupee at 5-month low, Dalal Street on edge


MUMBAI: Equity and forex markets may see heightened volatility on Thursday after US President Donald Trump doubled down on tariff announcements for Indian imports. The rupee, which posted its steepest one-day drop since May, closed at a five-month low of 87.42 on Wednesday, down 0.7% after ending Tuesday at 86.82. Traders cited strong dollar demand and concerns over steep US tariffs on Indian goods.“Despite the unpredictable policymaking of US, market was expecting a tariff deal to work out as longer-term US-India strategic interests are aligned. Markets will hope for a ‘TACO’ (Trump always chickens out) trade if better senses prevail,” said Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak Mahindra AMC.

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“Both rupee and equity markets are weakening together after nearly six years. The rupee is likely to breach 88/$ level this week,” said K N Dey, a corporate forex consultant.