Consider the following statements regarding Rupee Appreciation. Rupee ...
Rupee Appreciation and its Impact on the Indian Economy
Statement 1: Rupee can appreciate because of strong foreign portfolio investments into the country.
Foreign portfolio investments refer to the investments made by foreign investors in the financial markets of a country, such as stocks, bonds, and other securities. When there is a strong inflow of foreign portfolio investments into a country, it leads to an increase in the demand for the country's currency, which can result in the appreciation of the currency. This is because foreign investors need to buy the local currency in order to invest in the financial markets.
Statement 2: Avoiding the appreciation of the rupee can strengthen the domestic manufacturing industry.
When the rupee appreciates, it becomes stronger in comparison to other currencies. This means that it takes fewer rupees to buy a unit of foreign currency. As a result, imports become cheaper while exports become more expensive. This can negatively impact the domestic manufacturing industry in the following ways:
- Increased competition: Cheaper imports can lead to increased competition for domestic manufacturers, as foreign goods become more affordable for consumers. This can result in a decrease in demand for domestically produced goods.
- Loss of competitiveness: When the domestic currency appreciates, it makes exports more expensive for foreign buyers. This can lead to a decrease in demand for domestically produced goods in international markets, affecting the competitiveness of the domestic manufacturing industry.
- Job losses: A decrease in demand for domestically produced goods can lead to a decline in production and, subsequently, job losses in the manufacturing sector.
Conclusion
Both statements are correct. Strong foreign portfolio investments can lead to rupee appreciation, as foreign investors need to buy the local currency to invest in the financial markets. However, avoiding rupee appreciation can be beneficial for the domestic manufacturing industry, as it prevents increased competition, loss of competitiveness, and job losses. Therefore, both statements contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the impact of rupee appreciation on the Indian economy.