The Indian rupee's depreciation against major currencies is making it a more attractive option for carry trade investors, according to a recent report by Bank of America (BoA). A carry trade strategy involves borrowing money in a low-interest-rate environment and investing it in assets with a higher yield, profiting from the interest rate differential.
The rupee has weakened in recent months due to several factors, including rising global crude oil prices, which widen India's current account deficit, and outflows of foreign capital from emerging markets. This depreciation has made rupee-denominated assets, particularly bonds, more appealing to carry trade investors.
BoA analysts point out that India's relatively high real interest rates, which take into account inflation, are another factor drawing carry trade interest. While global central banks are raising interest rates to combat inflation, India's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been ahead of the curve, initiating rate hikes earlier in the year. This creates a more significant interest rate differential for carry trade investors.
However, BoA also cautions that the rupee's attractiveness as a carry trade currency comes with certain risks. The report highlights potential volatility in global financial markets, particularly if the US Federal Reserve raises interest rates more aggressively than anticipated. This could lead to a reversal of capital flows and a further depreciation of the rupee, potentially causing losses for carry trade investors.
Furthermore, the report acknowledges concerns about India's widening current account deficit, which could put additional pressure on the rupee. The country's dependence on imported energy sources, coupled with rising global commodity prices, could exacerbate the deficit. A wider current account deficit could make the rupee more vulnerable to external shocks and currency depreciation.
Despite these risks, BoA believes that the rupee's depreciation, coupled with India's relatively high real interest rates, will continue to attract carry trade investors in the near term. The report suggests that investors seeking higher returns may find rupee-denominated assets, such as government bonds, to be a compelling option, particularly compared to the low-yielding environment in developed markets.
However, BoA emphasizes the importance of careful risk management for carry trade investors. The report recommends monitoring global economic developments, particularly US Federal Reserve policy decisions, and being prepared for potential volatility in currency markets.