Why is Dollar rising?

The recent spike in $ is astronomical! The strength of the $ has shaken up all the emerging economies, commodities and other financial markets. For our economy, this means really big trouble.

DOLLAR RISING

Before proceeding, let's have a look at the rates of $ over the past few years:

1. 1947 - $1 = Re. 1
2. 1952 - $1 = Rs. 5
3. 1970 - $1 = Rs. 7.57
4. 1975 - $1 = Rs. 8.40
5. 1980 - $1 = Rs. 7.89
6. 1985 - $1 = Rs. 12.36
7. 1990 - $1 = Rs. 17.5
8. 1995 - $1 = Rs. 32.42
9. 2000 - $1 = Rs. 45
10. 2006 - $1 = Rs. 48.3
11. 2007 - $1 = Rs. 38.4
12. 2008 - $1 = Rs. 42.5 (JUNE)
13. 2008 - $1 = Rs. 48.8 (OCTOBER)
14. 2009 - $1 = Rs. 46.3
15. 2011 - $1 = Rs. 44 (APRIL)
16. 2011 - $1 = Rs. 50 (NOVEMBER)
17. 2011 - $1 = Rs. 53.7 (DECEMBER)
18. 2012 - $1 = Rs. 56.25 (MAY)
19. 2013 - $1 = Rs 60 (JUNE)
20. 2015 - $1 = Rs 63 (JUNE)
21. 2016 - $1 = Rs 66 (JUNE)

The above data shows the astronomical rise over the past 6 decades. And even the past 2 years have seen it rise from 44 to 66. But, it is not only our currency which is hit by this rise. Currencies of other emerging economies have taken a hit too! This is evident from the strength of the "Dollar Index".

Dollar Index chart till 2013

The chart of the dollar index shows the strength and its rise from 72 to 84 in the past 2 years.

DOLLAR INDEX:

Dollar index measures the value of dollar against some foreign currencies consisting of:

1. EURO

2. YEN

3. GB POUND

4. CANADIAN DOLLAR

5. SWEDISH KRONA

6. SWISS FRANK

$ has out performed the dollar index when it compares to Rupee. Rupee has just weakened against dollar while over decades, the dollar index has actually fallen from levels of 165 in February 1985 to 82 (21st June, 2013) and in May, 2016 it trades around 96 levels!

So, why is the $ rising?

Many points have contributed to the rise of the $ against the Indian Rupee. Some of these are:

1. Reviving USA Economy and rise in FED Rates:

The revival of growth of the economy of USA has pushed up the dollar against emerging market economies as clouds of economic uncertainty over emerging markets makes the USA economy more attractive. Also, with interest rates increasing in USA due to FED's monetary policy, Rupee will be facing pressure against the dollar.

2. Stocks:

US markets are near all time highs and most FII money pouring into India is diverted to the safer US markets where the opportunities are higher.

3. Gold:

India is still importing gold in huge quantities despite the hike in excise duties! This means more and more $ is needed to pay for this gold which is being imported. $ gets more dear and hence runs ahead. Also, gold has lost its shine in institutional investors as a safe asset. This title has passed on to $.

4. Current Account Deficit:

What India has to pay in $ is far more than what it has to receive in $. The difference between the payable in foreign currency and the receivable in that foreign currency is termed as Current Account Deficit. As the government will need more $ to pay off their  bills, once again $ gets more dear.

5. RBI is helpless:

To support rupee, RBI has to sell $. And the absence of such moves from the open market shows that RBI is concerned about letting go of every $ it has in it's coffers as it can harm the current account deficit.

6. OIL Imports:

India is one of the largest consumers of oil, and this demand is ever increasing. As more and more $ is required to cope up with the rising demands, once again we see $ getting more dear.

7. Speculation:

People say the currency market is rigged and manipulated by the big investment banks and a lot of speculation in the currency derivatives market is the reason for this spike (10% in 20 days is no joke).

DANGERS:

The rising dollar is a very big reason of worry as it means that the imports become costlier, our fuel costs increase, our current account deficit widens and these all spark off a rise in inflation. India had seen some cool down in the inflation rates in the recent months and this good news could be short lived if dollar doesn't come down soon. Also, the companies which have debt raised in $ now face a big risk of higher interest payments. Also, imports for these companies will cost them more which will disrupt all budgets and plans.

How to make money from this?
BUY stocks in companies that are export oriented! But simple said than done.