Continuing its depreciation trend since breaching 90 in late 2025, the Indian rupee fell 14 paise to 92.42 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Rising crude oil prices, foreign fund outflows linked to the West Asia crisis, subdued domestic equities, and a stronger dollar weighed on the currency, as traders awaited the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision.
The rupee opened weaker at 92.42 after depreciating 14 paise on March 17, 2026, reflecting persistent pressures from elevated crude oil prices and foreign investor outflows amid escalating tensions in West Asia. Domestic equity markets remained subdued, while the strengthening US dollar added to the downside. Market participants adopted a cautious stance ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, which could sway global currencies. This development underscores the rupee's ongoing vulnerability to external factors like commodity prices, geopolitics, and US monetary policy—building on its slide past 90 in December 2025. Key terms: rupee, USD, West Asia crisis, crude oil, equities, forex, dollar index.
