USD/INR EXTENDS RALLY, INVESTORS AWAIT FED RATE DECISION

• Indian Rupee loses traction on Tuesday amid a stronger USD. 
• Fed is expected to hold rates steady in the range of 5.25%–5.50% at its March meeting.
• The US Fed interest rate decision on Wednesday will be the highlight of this week. 

Indian Rupee (INR) weakens on Tuesday on US Dollar (USD) purchases by state-run banks. The lower speculation that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) may cut interest rates in June provides some support to the Greenback and lifts the USD/INR pair. The Fed is widely anticipated to hold rates steady for a fifth straight time at its March meeting on Wednesday and maintain a data approach to ensure inflation returns sustainably to its 2% target. Nonetheless, there is still a possibility that Fed officials might reduce the number of rate cuts to two from the three rate cuts they expected earlier this year. 

Looking ahead, the US February Building Permits and Housing Starts are due on Tuesday. Investors will closely watch the US Fed interest rate decision on Wednesday and take more cues about the future trajectory of interest rates from Fed Chair Jerome Powell during the press conference. On Thursday, India’s S&P Global Manufacturing and Services PMI will be released.