USD/INR extends its down leg ahead of US PPI data

• Indian Rupee trades strongly on the decline of the USD on Friday. 
• RBI's Das said persistent food price shocks and heightened geopolitical tensions are hindering policymakers' efforts to curb inflation. 
• Investors will monitor the US January Producer Price Index (PPI) on Friday.

The Indian rupee (INR) strengthened on Friday as the US dollar (USD) softened. The downtick of the pair is backed by weaker-than-expected US Retail Sales, which trigger speculation that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will soon start cutting interest rates in the coming months. 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Thursday that India has successfully navigated multiple challenges and emerged as the fastest-growing major economy. The economy is forecast to grow by at least 7% for the fourth consecutive year. However, persistent shocks to food prices and renewed geopolitical flashpoints are some factors that are now complicating policymakers' efforts to combat inflation. 

Investors await the US January Producer Price Index (PPI) on Friday. The downbeat report could exert some selling pressure on the Greenback and act as a headwind for the USD/INR pair. Furthermore, Fed officials Barr and Daly will speak later in the day. Next week, investors will take more cues from the Indian S&P Global Services PMI and RBI MPC Meeting Minutes. 

Daily Digest Market Movers: Indian Rupee remains strong amid multiple headwinds

• India’s goods trade deficit narrowed by nearly 12% in January compared to the previous month. The merchandise trade deficit fell to $17.49 billion in January from $19.80 billion in December. 
• Imports declined to $54.41 billion from $58.25 billion in December. Exports fell marginally to $36.92 billion in January from $38.45 billion in December. The decline in exports is mostly attributable to the armed war in the Red Sea.
• Foreign portfolio inflows into India are expected to increase to roughly 1% of GDP from 0.4% in the 2014–2022 timeframe, according to the CLSA. 
• US Retail Sales dropped 0.8% MoM in January from a 0.4% rise in December, worse than the market expectation of a 0.1% decline. Retail Sales Control Group came in at -0.4% MoM versus 0.6% prior.  
• The New York Empire State Manufacturing Index arrived at -2.4 in February, a big improvement from the previous reading of -43.7. 
• Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Bostic said the Fed does not face urgency to cut rates given the current economy, and a strong economy argues for patience in adjusting monetary policy.

Technical Analysis: Indian Rupee resumes upside journey within the long-term trading range

Indian Rupee trades on a stronger note on the day. USD/INR remains stuck within a familiar multi-month-old descending trend channel of 82.70–83.20 since December 8, 2023. 

In the near term, USD/INR resumes a bearish outlook as the pair is below the key 100-period Exponential Moving Average (EMA) on the daily timeframe. The 14-day Relative Strength Index which lies below the 50.0 midline also supports the downward momentum for USD/INR. 

On the bright side, the critical resistance level for the pair is seen near the upper boundary of the descending trend channel at 83.20. A bullish breakout above this level could get enough fuel to hit a high of January 2 at 83.35, en route to the 84.00 psychological level. 

In the case of the bearish environment, the first downside target is located near a low of February 2 at 82.83. Further south, the lower limit of the descending trend channel 82.70 acts as a potential support level for the pair, followed by a low of August 23 at 82.45.