Rupee down, bonds recover, call rates end higher

The rupee fell seven paise to 61.92 against the dollar on Monday on month-end demand for the US currency from importers amid a sluggish equity market.

The rupee opened lower at 62 a dollar against the previous close of 61.85 at the interbank foreign exchange market and hovered in a range of 61.8850 to 62.16 before ending at 61.91/92, a drop of seven paise.

The government securities (G-sec) recovered on renewed buying support from banks and corporates and the call money rates ended higher at the overnight call money market here on Monday owing to good demand from borrowing banks. The 8.83 per cent government security maturing in 2023 shot up to Rs 99.80 from Rs 99.15 previously, while its yield fell to 8.86 per cent from 8.96 per cent. The 7.28 per cent government security maturing in 2019 climbed to Rs 92.92 from Rs 92.5350, while its yield declined at 8.95 per cent from 9.05 per cent.

The 8.28 per cent government security maturing in 2027 also surged to Rs 92.60 from Rs 94.0450, while its yield declined to 9.243 per cent from 9.32 per cent.

The 8.12 per cent government security maturing in 2020, the 7.16 per cent government security maturing in 2023 and the 8.24 per cent government security maturing in 2027 were also quoted up at Rs 95.20, Rs 87.7375 and Rs 92.48, respectively. The overnight call money rate ended higher at 8.75 per cent from 8.20 per cent last Friday. It moved in a range of 8.80 per cent and 8.60 per cent.