Rupee slips 33 paise to 1-week low after Rajan's currency comment

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan commented that an excessively strong rupee is undesirable

In line with weak stocks, the rupee today slipped by a hefty 33 paise -- its fourth straight daily loss to close at 62.25 against dollar amid RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan's comment that an "excessively strong rupee" is undesirable as it triggers disinflationary pressures.

Heavy demand for the American currency also hit the local unit, which had earlier in the session hit one-month high of 61.67 after a surprise rate cut by RBI citing easing inflation pressures and steps taken by government to revive growth.

However, it suffered a setback on the back heavy dollar demand from importers and state-owned banks. The rupee plummeted to hit an intra-day low of 62.28 at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market before ending at 62.25 per dollar -- a fall of 33 paise, or 0.53%.

"The rupee also depreciated after comments made from the RBI Governor that an excessively strong rupee is undesirable. This was contrasting to the statement made in the February meeting that the central bank was perfectly comfortable with the exchange rate," said Admisi Forex, Director, Suresh Nair.

Additionally, we continue to see RBI build up reserves offered by strong inflows into India, Nair said, adding that this could also hurt sentiments.

In stock market, both the benchmark indices - BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty finished sharply lower at 29380.73 and 8922.65, respectively after climbing historic highs in early trade.

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 772.92 crore yesterday, as per provisional data.

Benchmark brent crude continued to trade above the USD 60 a barrel mark in global markets today.

The dollar index (DXY), which measures the Greenback against a basket of six major currencies, was up by 0.29% hit 95.74 - its highest level since September 2003.