Rupee faced its sharpest depreciation in last two years | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Rupee faced its sharpest depreciation in last two years

Posted 28 Dec 2024

2 min read

Recently, the Indian rupee’s exchange rate against the US dollar has breached the 85 mark.

  • Exchange rate represents the value of one currency relative to another, essentially serving as the price of one currency expressed in terms of another.

key Factors Responsible for Rupee’s Depreciation 

  • Strengthening of the US Dollar: US Federal Reserve's aggressive monetary tightening has promoted capital outflows from emerging markets.
    • E.g. Outflow of Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) from India
  • Widening Trade Deficit: Driven by higher crude oil imports
  • Other: High Inflation in India (when inflation rates are high, the value of the currency typically depreciates), etc. 

Impact of Rupee’s Depreciation 

  • Negative Impact
    • Higher Import Costs: A weaker rupee makes imports more expensive, particularly for crude oil.
      • It further leads to the widening of Trade Deficit. 
    • Others: Increased cost of foreign debt, pressure on inflation etc. 
  • Positive Impact
    • Boost to Exports: Goods and services become more competitive in international markets due to lower prices in dollar terms.
    • Higher Remittance Value: NRIs sending money back home benefit from higher rupee value.

Measures can be taken to Stabilise the Rupee

  • Direct Dollar Sales: To increase the supply of USD in the market, thereby supporting the rupee's value.
  • Foreign Exchange Swaps: RBI can use buy-sell swaps to inject or absorb dollar liquidity without depleting forex reserves significantly.
  • Attract Foreign Investments: Policy incentives, such as tax benefits, can encourage FDI and portfolio inflows.
  • Tags :
  • Rupee
  • Depreciation
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