Rupee hits highest level in August against US dollar on fading tariff risks, GST boost

Rupee hits highest level in August

Indian Rupee strengthened to its highest level in August against the US dollar on Tuesday, supported by easing concerns over additional US tariffs and expectations that proposed GST reforms could boost domestic economic growth.

The currency rose to as much as 87.2050 per US dollar, compared with 87.35 in the previous session, before settling at 87.2250. Analysts attributed the gains to renewed optimism following the Trump-Putin meeting and upcoming US-Ukraine talks, which Nomura said may reduce the likelihood of new sanctions or tariffs on India over its Russian oil purchases.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed GST rationalisation is also lifting sentiment, with economists saying the measures could boost consumption and offset pressure from weak external demand.

While the rupee advanced, most Asian currencies slipped as US Treasury yields climbed, with the 10-year yield hitting a two-week high on Monday.

Mutual fund monthly SIP inflow crosses Rs 25,000 crore mark for first time

SIP inflow crosses Rs 25k crore

SIP inflow crosses Rs 25k crore in October 2024, a notable increase from ₹24,509 crore in September. This is the first time SIP inflows have exceeded the ₹25,000 crore mark.

The number of new SIP registrations also saw significant growth, with 63.7 lakh new accounts in October, up from 58.7 lakh in September.

As a result, the total number of SIP accounts rose to 10.12 crore, reflecting a 2.5% increase from 9.87 crore in the previous month.

The total Assets Under Management (AUM) from SIPs reached ₹13.30 lakh crore in October, marking a 2.3% rise from ₹13.01 lakh crore in September. This growth comes amid a broader trend of rising equity inflows, with the mutual fund industry recording its 44th consecutive month of positive inflows.

The retail folios have now crossed 17.23 crore, with the total AUM standing at ₹67.26 lakh crore.

Anish Mehta, National Head of Sales, Marketing & Digital Business at Kotak Mahindra Asset Management, noted that investors are increasingly favoring large-cap funds, particularly in the current market environment. He observed, “Investors are recognizing the stability of large-cap funds, and there’s also a shift toward multi-cap and flexi-cap funds for a more balanced risk approach.”

Venkat Chalasani, CEO of AMFI, commented on the broader trend, saying, “October 2024 marks the 44th consecutive month of positive equity inflows, continuing since March 2021. This sustained momentum in SIPs and AUM is a testament to the growing maturity of Indian investors, who are focusing on long-term wealth creation through mutual funds.

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