Indian benchmark indices traded near flat levels in afternoon trade on Thursday, with the Nifty hovering just below the 23,950 mark. While broader market sentiment remained subdued, banking stocks emerged as the key driver of gains following the Reserve Bank of India’s announcement of massive foreign-currency inflows through its special forex swap window.
The RBI’s measures brought around $136.38 billion into the banking system, pushing banking-system surplus liquidity to a record ₹9.7 trillion ($102.67 billion), surpassing the previous high recorded in September 2021. The sharp improvement in liquidity conditions provided strong support to banks and financial stocks.
FCNR Inflows Strengthen Liquidity
The liquidity boost was largely supported by continued strength in non-resident foreign currency deposits. Indian banks raised approximately $127.23 billion under the RBI’s scheme, with a substantial portion of the funds being swapped into rupees.
This conversion has increased rupee liquidity within the domestic banking system while simultaneously supporting the Indian currency. The stronger liquidity environment could also improve banks’ funding conditions and provide greater flexibility for credit growth.
Sectoral Performance
Banking and financial stocks remained the strongest performers, while realty stocks also maintained their gains. However, weakness was visible across IT, FMCG and metals, limiting the overall advance in benchmark indices.
The divergence highlights the market’s immediate preference for sectors that directly benefit from improved domestic liquidity and lower funding pressure.
Rupee Outlook
The large inflow of foreign currency gives the RBI greater room to manage currency volatility and domestic liquidity conditions. HSBC economists expect the rupee to remain relatively stable in the ₹94–95.5 per dollar range over the coming month.
Overall, the RBI-driven liquidity injection is a significant positive for India’s banking system. While it may not immediately translate into broad-based equity gains, sustained surplus liquidity could support financial stocks, credit growth and rupee stability in the near term.