The Indian rupee hovered around 94.7 per dollar, extending its recent losses as rising US Treasury yields strengthened the greenback and weighed on Asian currencies. Higher bond yields dampened demand for emerging-market assets, while renewed dollar buying and weaker regional currencies kept pressure on the rupee. Market sentiment remained cautious after stronger-than-expected US labor market data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could keep interest rates higher for longer. Investors are now awaiting additional US employment data for further clues on the Fed’s policy outlook. Meanwhile, higher oil prices added another headwind for the currency, as firmer crude prices typically increase India’s import bill and demand for dollars. Oil gained support after a Qatari official said US envoys in Doha would not hold high-level talks with Iran, casting doubt on near-term diplomatic progress and reducing expectations of a potential increase in Iranian oil supplies.
