"Options Betting on Rupee Rise Amid Stronger US Dollar and Speculative Flows"

Investors are increasingly betting on the Indian rupee to rise this year, as evidenced by a surge in dollar-rupee options trading volumes. The market sentiment reflects expectations of the rupee breaking out of its narrow range and appreciating, with the Reserve Bank of India's intervention likely to decrease following criticism from the International Monetary Fund. Low implied volatility has made directional bets on the rupee via options relatively inexpensive, contributing to the increased trading volumes.