Indonesian Rupiah strengthened amid COVID-19 outbreak. (Image via Tempo.co)

IDR strengthens to Rp14,738/USD

On Monday’s foreign exchange (forex) spot market opening, Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is seen at Rp14,738 against the U.S Dollar (USD). The rate strengthened by 0.27 percent compared to Friday’s closing rate at Rp14,778/USD. For today, IDR will move around Rp14,520 - Rp14.880/USD.

Today, the majority of currencies in Asia – ASEAN regions also strengthened against the USD. Reportedly, the Japanese Yen (JPY) strengthened by 0.83 percent, Turkish Lira (TRY) by 0.64 percent, S. Korean Won (KRW) by 0.41 percent, and the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) by 0.14 percent.

However, some currencies weakened instead. Thai Baht (THB) weakened by 0.39 percent, Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) by 0.37 percent, and the Singaporean Dollar (SGD) by 0.07 percent against the USD.

Meanwhile, the majority of currencies in the developed countries region reacted variously against the USD. Both Great Britain Pound sterling (GBP) and the European Union Euro (EUR) strengthened by 0.70 percent and 0.34 percent respectively. Meanwhile, the Australian Dollar (AUD) and the Canadian Dollar (CAD) weakened by 0.25 percent and 0.18 percent respectively against the USD.

Indonesian forex experts explained that the strengthening of IDR today is the result of the stimulus policy issued by the central bank of the U.S, Federal Reserve, in mitigating the global impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Reportedly, the Fed has determined to cut the benchmark interest rate from 1.25 percent to 0.25 percent. Moreover, the central bank also launched a US$700 billion quantitative easing program, also to battle COVID-19. However, the speech of the Chairman of the Fed, Jerome Powell, indicated that the benchmark interest rate will be dovish, affecting USD’s depreciation.

Domestically, the announcement of February’s trade balance, projecting a US$90 million surplus, will support IDR higher.

Source: https://bit.ly/38TedGg