NRI bank deposits double to $10.14 bn in Apr-Oct
Dollar inflows from non-resident Indians into bank deposits have doubled during April-October this year to $10.14 billion as NRIs took advantage of higher returns and a weak rupee. During the corresponding period last year, inflows were at $4.88 billion.
During the period, non resident (external) rupee accounts saw an inflow of $11.61 billion, almost five times that of last year, data from the Reserve Bank of India showed.
Non-resident (ordinary) rupee accounts and Foreign currency non-resident accounts saw an outflow this year as against an inflow last year. Inflows had surged in April and May after the rupee depreciated sharply. The currency hit an all-time low of 57.32/$ in June. Non-resident (ordinary) rupee accounts saw an outflow of $255 million in October.
“Not only interest rates were higher than other countries, but even on the currency difference the return went up substantially,” said the treasury head of a public sector bank.
To earn returns over and above the high interest rates, NRIs can bring in dollars when the rupee is weak and repatriate once the currency appreciates. Even though the currency has appreciated, inflows into NRI deposits continue as interest rates offered are higher.
Banks on an average offer 7-8% interest rate on deposits with 6-12 months tenure for NRIs. The RBI had deregulated interest rates on NRI deposits in Deceber 2011, which was followed by massive hikes in rates of such deposits by most banks.
While banks have slashed interest rates on deposits over the last three months, NRI deposits still give high
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