Abbas Keshvani

Keshvani states that rupee pressure stems from real dollar demand due to oil imports and a widening trade deficit, exacerbated by the Iran war, not just speculators. High oil prices increase India's import bill, and structural trade deficits will sustain dollar demand, leading to persistent depreciation despite RBI measures to curb short-selling. Short INR because fundamental economic pressures outweigh temporary regulatory support, implying further weakness. Swift diplomatic resolution to the Iran war reducing oil prices, or more aggressive RBI intervention beyond current rules.

Keshvani explains the Iran war is inflationary, likely leading to higher Fed hike expectations, which will push U.S. yields up and attract capital flows to the dollar. As markets price in more Fed hikes due to war-induced inflation, dollar demand increases as a haven and from yield differentials, causing appreciation against emerging market currencies. Long USD because of its haven status and expected monetary policy divergence favoring dollar strength. De-escalation in the Middle East reducing inflationary pressures, or the Fed not hiking as expected.