- USD/INR struggles to extend recent pullback amid off in Indian currency, bond markets.
- Growth fears surrounding China, US keep buyers hopeful amid a sluggish session.
- Hawkish hopes from Fed minutes put a floor under the prices.
- Second-tier US data, risk catalysts can entertain intraday traders.
USD/INR picks up bids to pare recent losses around 79.58 during the mid-Asian session on Tuesday. In doing so, the Indian rupee (INR) pair justifies the market’s risk-off mood amid sluggish trading hours, while also respecting the bullish chart pattern.
That said, economic slowdown fears concerning China and the US appear to be the major challenge for the USD/INR bears. Also putting a floor under the USD/INR prices is the market’s anxiety ahead of Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes.
The growth fears recently gained momentum after China released downbeat Retail Sales and Industrial Production data for July on Monday. On the same were data suggesting a lack of credit demand for China’s easy loan funds and the surprise rate cut from the People’s Bank of China (PBOC).
The pessimism also escalated as stronger as China President Xi Jinping showed readiness to take more measures after the previous day’s downbeat statistics. Xinhua News Agency quoted China President Xi saying that they will “use new development ideas in economic growth”. The comments rolled out after downbeat prints of Retail Sales, Industrial Production and Loan Growth for July.
It should be noted, though, that the fears about the US-China tussles grow and challenges the USD/INR sellers as Xinhua reported that China imposes sanctions on a number of Taiwan separatists. Previously, the visit of multiple US lawmakers to Taiwan irritated Beijing, which in turn led to fierce military drills near the Taiwan border and an escalation of the geopolitical risks.
On Monday, US NY Empire State Manufacturing Index for August dropped to -31.3 from 11.1 in July and 8.5 in market forecasts. Further, the US August NAHB homebuilder confidence index also fell to 49 versus 55, its lowest level since the initial months of 2020. Although the recent US data joins the previous week’s softer inflation figures, the Fed policymakers remain hawkish, which in turn keeps the USD/CNH buyers hopeful.
Against this backdrop, the US 10-year Treasury yields snap a two-day downtrend around 2.79% while the S&P 500 Futures decline 0.10% intraday at the latest.
Given the off in Indian currency and bond markets, USD/INR pair traders will keep their eyes on the US Building Permits, Housing Starts and Industrial Production numbers for July for fresh impulse. However, Fed Minutes will be crucial amid indecision over the US central bank’s next move.
Technical analysis
USD/INR keeps the previous day’s bounce off the 200-SMA after posting a two-day downtrend. The recovery moves also gain support from the firmer RSI (14) line and an impending “golden cross”.
That said, a sustained piercing of the 50-SMA to the 200-SMA appears necessary to confirm the bullish moving average crossover.
In that case, a run-up towards the monthly resistance line near 79.90 becomes imminent. Following that, the 80.00 threshold and the recent record top near 80.20 will be in focus.
Alternatively, a downside break of the two-week-old support line, at 79.40 by the press time, could defy the bullish hopes by directing the USD/INR bears towards the 79.00 round figure.
USD/INR: Four-hour chart
Trend: Further upside expected
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD trades weak below 1.0800 amid Good Friday lull, ahead of US PCE
EUR/USD remains depressed below 1.0800 after soft French inflation data, amid minimal volatility and thin liquidity on Good Friday. The pair keenly awaits the US PCE inflation data and Fed Chair Powell's speech for fresh hints on next week's price action.
GBP/USD holds steady above 1.2600 as markets stay calm on Good Friday
GBP/USD trades sideways above 1.2600 amid a typical Good Friday trading lull. A broadly firmer US Dollar could keep any upside attempts limited in the pair ahead of the US PCE inflation data and Fed Chair Powell's appearance.
Gold price sits at all-time highs above $2,230, US PCE eyed
Gold price hit all-time highs at $2,236 on Thursday to finish Q1 2024 with a bang. Most major world markets, including the US are closed due to Holy Friday, leaving volatility around Gold price highly subdued. US PCE inflation and Powell are awaited.
Jito price could hit $6 as JTO coils up inside this bullish pattern
Jito (JTO) price has been on an uptrend since forming a local bottom in early January. Since then, JTO has revisited the key swing point formed in early December, suggesting the bulls’ intention to move higher.
Key events in developed markets next week
Next week, the main focus will be inflation and the labour market in the Eurozone. We expect services inflation to be impacted by the easter effect, while the unemployment rate to be unchanged.