RBI unveils measures to address exchange rate volatility; lifts two interest rates by 200 bps each

16 Jul 2013 Evaluate

In its further effort to salvage the depreciating local currency, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled measures to address exchange rate volatility, including lifting two interest rates by 200 basis points each, tightening liquidity and a planned sale of Rs 12000 crore of government bonds on July 18, after host of its other recent measures proved futile.

The measures were announced after the RBI governor flew to Delhi on a day when the Prime Minister and finance minister held meetings, ostensibly to address the exchange rate amid dwindling foreign exchange reserves.

The RBI raised the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate (rate at which banks can borrow from the RBI at an elevated rate against government securities during times of tight cash) and Bank Rate each by 200 basis points to 10.25% as against 8.25% each earlier and limited its lending of overnight funds to banks to Rs 75,000 crore, which means that if banks need more they will have to pay a higher interest rate of 10.25%. The MSF rate has been recalibrated with immediate effect to be 300 basis points above the policy repo rate under the LAF.

The market perception of likely tapering of US Quantitative Easing, which has triggered outflows of portfolio investment, particularly from the debt segment has resulted into marked deprecation of rupee in the last six weeks. However, countries with large current account deficits, such as ours, have been particularly affected despite their relatively promising economic fundamentals.

Previously to arrest the currency’s fall, RBI has urged oil firm to source all of their 8-8.5 billion of dollar needs every month for import of oil, from a single public sector bank. It also barred banks from trading in currency futures and exchange-traded currency options market on their own.

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