Indian rupee, bonds slump after cenbank governor’s resignation

In this file photo taken on April 1, 2014, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) logo is seen on the main entrance gate of the RBI headquarters in Mumbai. (AFP)

• The RBI governor resigned abruptly after a months-long tussle over policy with the government

MUMBAI: India’s rupee and bonds plunged following Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel’s unexpected resignation after market hours on Monday shocked investors.
Concerns about likely mixed results from crucial state elections later on Tuesday also kept traders wary.
The Indian rupee came off earlier lows at 72.1350 to the dollar after opening at 72.46, but was sharply lower from its close of 71.35 on Monday.
The 10-year benchmark bond yield rose to 7.64 percent from 7.59 percent at the previous close.
The broader NSE stock index opened down 1.3 percent but recovered some of its losses and was 0.9 percent lower.
Investors will await state election results for further trading cues during the day.
The RBI governor resigned abruptly after a months-long tussle over policy with the government that has raised concerns about the central bank’s independence as a national election nears.