The Indian Rupee hit a historic low on Wednesday, crossing the 90-per-dollar mark for the first time. This decline was driven by foreign fund outflows, rising crude oil prices, and uncertainty surrounding the India-US trade deal. Market watchers noted a lack of Reserve Bank of India intervention for much of the session.

US import tariffs on Indian goods, doubling to 50%, have caused a sharp 28.5% drop in exports over five months. Labour-intensive sectors, including textiles and gems, faced the steepest declines, leading to significant revenue losses and job concerns. India’s government is urged to expedite export promotion missions and negotiate tariff reductions with the US.

Income tax refunds are significantly delayed this assessment year, with processing times extended even for routine cases. Official data shows a substantial drop in refund outgo compared to last year, attributed to late form releases, increased verification, and processing constraints. Experts anticipate a continued trend of slower processing, particularly for high-value refunds.

Veteran banker Uday Kotak points to persistent foreign selling by FPIs and PE funds as the primary driver behind the rupee’s sharp fall past 90 against the dollar. Despite strong domestic investor buying and robust GDP growth, India’s currency is Asia’s worst performer this year, pressured by broad dollar outflows and a widening trade deficit.

Wall Street saw mixed trading as corporate earnings presented a varied picture. While Marvell Technology and American Eagle Outfitters posted strong results, Macy’s and CrowdStrike faced headwinds despite beating profit expectations. Bond yields dipped following softer private payroll data, fueling hopes for a Federal Reserve rate cut. Global markets showed a mixed performance.

As the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee meets, experts are divided on a potential repo rate cut. While strong GDP growth and easing inflation present opposing forces, some analysts believe a cut is possible to support growth. However, others anticipate the central bank will maintain the current rate due to economic resilience.

US equities saw a steadier mood as Treasury yields eased and bitcoin rebounded, helping major indices regain ground. Investors favored technology stocks, with MongoDB and United Natural Foods posting significant gains. This optimism countered a slide in Signet Jewelers due to a weak holiday forecast. Global markets showed modest movements, with South Korea’s Kospi notably

Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell have pledged $6.25 billion to seed children’s investment accounts created under President Trump’s legislation. This significant contribution aims to provide an initial deposit for 25 million children under 10, fostering hope and opportunity for future generations. The program, set to launch in 2026, encourages long-term savings for education, housing, or

India’s Russian crude imports are set to dip following US sanctions on major oil firms, but a permanent shift is unlikely. Refiners are strategically sourcing from non-sanctioned Russian entities and other global suppliers. Despite temporary disruptions, India’s demand for cost-effective Russian oil, coupled with emerging workarounds, suggests continued, albeit indirect, procurement.

Russia is keen to address India’s trade deficit concerns and boost imports, aiming to shield bilateral commerce from third-country pressure. Ahead of President Putin’s visit, Moscow highlighted plans to stabilize crude supplies and strengthen cooperation in defense, energy, and nuclear technology. Discussions will also cover peaceful negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict and counter-terrorism efforts.