Indian Rupee Trading
Indian Rupee trading (INR) has seen a marked growth in popularity that has correlated strongly with the rise in Eastern economies. This article provides an overview of trading the INR, how the exchange rate works, the pros & cons of the currency and factors affecting its price. We will also provide some top tips for Indian rupee trading and have compiled a list of the top forex brokers below.
Indian Rupee Trading Brokers
-
1
Interactive Brokers -
2
NinjaTrader -
3
Plus500USTrading in futures and options involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. -
4
FOREX.com -
5
OANDA USCFDs are not available to residents in the United States. -
6
Optimus Futures
Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:
- Interactive Brokers - IBKR presents an extensive range of over 100 major, minor, and exotic forex pairs, surpassing the offerings of nearly all leading alternatives, though not CMC Markets. Forex trading occurs over multiple platforms and boasts institutional-grade spreads starting from 0.1 pips and 20 complex order types, including brackets, scale, and one-cancels-all (OCA) orders.
- NinjaTrader - NinjaTraders supports the trading of popular currencies including the EUR/USD. The software also offers advanced features to streamline the trading experience, including complex order types like market if touched (MIT) and one cancels other (OCO).
- Plus500US - Plus500 US offers futures trading on a small selection of 13 currencies, including popular pairs like the EUR/USD and GBP/USD. Day trading margins are competitive, starting from $40, while the educational resources do an excellent job of breaking down the basics of forex futures for new traders.
- FOREX.com - FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $7 commission per $100k, it stands out.
- OANDA US - OANDA offers a diverse selection of 68 currency pairs, more than many alternatives. The broker’s in-house platform offers superb day trading capabilities via powerful TradingView charts, including 65+ technical indicators and 11 customizable chart types.
- Optimus Futures - Optimus Futures gives forex traders access to CME currency futures, including full, mini, and micro contracts such as EUR/USD (6E, M6E), GBP/USD (6B, M6B), JPY/USD (6J, MJY), AUD/USD (6A, M6A), CAD/USD (6C, MCD) and others, with low day trading margins starting around $50–$100 on micros. It’s a strong choice for active currency futures traders rather than spot forex traders.
Indian Rupee Trading Comparison
| Broker | Forex Assets | EUR/USD Spread | Forex App Rating | Minimum Deposit | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | 100+ | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value | / 5 | $0 | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
| NinjaTrader | 50+ | 1.3 | / 5 | $0 | NFA, CFTC |
| Plus500US | 13 | 0.75 | / 5 | $100 | CFTC, NFA |
| FOREX.com | 84 | 1.2 | / 5 | $100 | NFA, CFTC |
| OANDA US | 65+ | 1.6 | / 5 | $0 | NFA, CFTC |
| Optimus Futures | 15 | Variable | - | $500 | NFA, CFTC |
Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value |
| Total Assets | 100+ |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
- IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries, most recently the Saudi Stock Exchange.
- Interactive Brokers has launched ForecastTrader, a unique, zero-commission product where users can trade yes/no Forecast Contracts on political, economic, and climate events, with fixed $1 payouts per contract, 24/6 market access, and 3.83% APY on held positions.
Cons
- You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
- TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
- Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
NinjaTrader
"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
NinjaTrader Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.6 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 1.3 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.6 |
| Total Assets | 50+ |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Platforms | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
- NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
- Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
Cons
- The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
Plus500US
"Plus500US stands out as an excellent choice for beginners, offering a very user-friendly platform, low day trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to enhance trading skills. Its powerful tools and reliable service helped it scoop second place in DayTrading.com's annual 'Best US Broker' award."
Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer
Plus500US Quick Facts
| EURUSD Spread | 0.75 |
|---|---|
| Total Assets | 13 |
| Leverage | Variable |
| Platforms | WebTrader, App |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Plus500US excels for its low fees with very competitive day trading margins and no inactivity fees, live data fees, routing fees, or platform fees
- The Futures Academy is an excellent resource for new traders with engaging videos and easy-to-follow articles, while the unlimited demo account is great for testing strategies
- Plus500 is a publicly traded company with a good reputation, over 24 million traders, and a sponsor of the Chicago Bulls.
Cons
- Plus500US does not offer social trading capabilities, a feature available at alternatives like eToro US which could strengthen its offering for aspiring traders
- Despite competitive pricing, Plus500US lacks a discount program for high-volume day traders, a scheme found at brokers like Interactive Brokers
- While Plus500US continues to broaden its investment offering, it's currently restricted to around 50+ futures with no stocks
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.3 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 1.2 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.4 |
| Total Assets | 84 |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Platforms | WebTrader, Mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
- The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
- With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
Cons
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
OANDA US
"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."
OANDA US Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 3.4 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 1.6 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.7 |
| Total Assets | 65+ |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Platforms | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- OANDA is a reliable, trustworthy and secure brand with authorization from tier-one regulators including the CFTC
- There's a strong selection of 68 currency pairs for dedicated short-term forex traders
- Seasoned day traders can access industry-leading tools, including an MT4 premium upgrade and advanced charting provided by MotiveWave
Cons
- It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
- The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
- There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
Optimus Futures
"Optimus Futures is best for active futures day traders who want low per-contract costs and the flexibility to build a custom trading setup across platforms like Optimus Flow, TradingView, and Sierra Chart. Its fast order-routing, low day trading margins, depth-of-market and footprint analysis tools, plus the ability to select your own clearing firm, make it especially suited to high-volume traders focused on U.S. and global futures markets."
Optimus Futures Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | Variable |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | Variable |
| EURGBP Spread | Variable |
| Total Assets | 15 |
| Platforms | Optimus Flow, Optimus Web, MT5, TradingView |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Optimus Futures has added event contracts from CME Group, allowing traders to express a daily market view with a simple yes-or-no position on major futures markets. Only offered by a handful of brokers, these fixed-risk products provide a straightforward way to speculate on a short-term basis.
- Futures commission rates are competitive, and there’s transparent access to trading on major exchanges, while the firm's fee calculator makes it a breeze to estimate trading costs before placing orders, helping to avoid surprises.
- The brokerage provides the flexibility to choose your clearing firm, including Iron Beam, Phillip Capital, and StoneX, allowing for direct control over where your funds are held and the associated transaction costs - helpful for customizing the futures trading setup.
Cons
- There are limited payment options and no toll-free numbers for international support, while withdrawals cost $20 to $60, potentially making frequent withdrawals costly for active traders.
- There's no true 'all-in-one' account management dashboard - key functions like risk settings, software downloads, and subscriptions are split across different sections or platforms, so it required extra digging to set everything up during testing.
- Live chat support is handled entirely by a bot, so despite several attempts in our tests, it wasn't possible to get access to a human agent, which can be frustrating when urgent or complex questions arise.
An Overview Of Indian Rupee Trading
The Indian rupee is used as legal tender for over 1 billion people living in India. In the past decade, India has experienced huge increases in its economy’s growth rate, reaching the position of the fifth largest GDP worldwide. Although the growth in the economy has been strong, the domestic currency has experienced a drop against other main currencies in recent years. However, India’s large workforce and economic growth is an indication that the currency may start to strengthen again.
How Is The INR Exchange Rate Determined?
India has a floating exchange rate system whereby the exchange rate of another currency with the Indian rupee is influenced by multiple market indicators like demand and supply. For example, if demand for the INR increases, its strength will increase as the currency becomes more desirable and scarce.
Likewise, if supply were to increase or demand were to decrease, the currency’s strength would reduce as the market becomes more saturated with the currency in relation to the market’s desire to obtain it.
Pros Of Indian Rupee Trading
Indian rupee trading can be a volatile experience. If buy-sell rates that include the rupee are very variable then profits could be made more quickly for successful trades, particularly if you can make correct predictions and identify important trends.
Trading forex is a much more straightforward process today than it used to be. Nowadays, investors have years of historical data and INR price history to draw upon to make predictions. Moreover, online trading services and automated trading systems are much more accessible and affordable, with more sophisticated technical analysis tools, mobile app support and order execution models available.
Cons Of Indian Rupee Trading
Whilst the volatility of the Indian Rupee can make for large profits, it can also lead to big losses. The quick changes in the currency’s value can make an accurate prediction of trends more difficult and losses more sudden and significant.
Indian rupee trading is not as popular as many other currencies in the foreign exchange market, meaning that forex day trading platforms often have reduced leverage rates on offer for related pairs. This can limit the profitability of trades for more adventurous investors.
Similarly, the lower interest in trading the INR leads to reduced trading volume and market liquidity. This can impact profits both in terms of greater slippage and wider spreads.
Factors Affecting INR Price
Many factors can affect the value of the currency and anyone involved with Indian rupee trading must watch out for these, both to better inform trend predictions and to exit positions before a wild reversal. The main factors to consider are the political climate, both domestic and international, central bank policy, external risk and economic health.
The GDP growth rate plays a huge role in the dominance of a particular currency and ties in most of the factors listed above. If an economy is growing quickly due to something like a political change, then investors are likely to be interested in that economy. When they invest, they will need to make their investment in the domestic currency meaning the demand for that currency will increase. As an investor on the forex market, if you suspect an influx of investment/economic growth in a particular economy then you could buy the currency whilst it is relatively cheap and then sell it when there is higher demand.
Trading Hours
Trading in the forex market is open 24/5, allowing for all countries and exchanges to get involved during convenient times of the day. That being said, there are often better hours in the day for trading particular currencies and forex pairs. Generally, the times during which the relevant stock exchanges are open is a good time to trade as liquidity and volume are higher, reducing slippage and spreads.
The Stock Exchange of India is open 09:00 – 17:00 IST (Indian Standard Time), corresponding to 03:30 – 11:30 GMT. These hours will likely be relatively good for most Indian rupee trading pairs. However, the active trading hours in the London and New York sessions, especially when trading GBP/INR or USD/INR, will generally see much better liquidity and volume.
The London session runs from 08:00 to 17:00 GMT and the New York session runs from 14:00 to 22:00 GMT. Therefore, the best times for Indian rupee trading are generally 08:00 to 17:00 GMT, crossing through the end of the Indian stock market hours and hitting the crossover of the London and New York sessions.
Brokers That Support Indian Rupee Trading
If you wish to get involved with Indian rupee trading you will need to find a suitable brokerage. Most online forex platforms will offer some currency pairs involving the INR, such as EUR/INR and CHF/INR. We have created a list of our top recommended forex brokers here and you can find a detailed guide to comparing options on our forex brokers page. Before opening an account and depositing money anywhere, double-check that the firm in mind definitely offers the currency pairs you are looking for.
Utilising Data Tracking Tools
Indian rupee trading is much like other forms of forex, securities and derivatives trading in that tracking, analysis and educational tools are invaluable resources to investors of all experience levels. Carefully consider different charting options and timeframes, indicators, signals services and market analysis services to try to best predict the price movements of the INR. You should also make use of market trackers, forecasts, expert tips and educational videos and courses to try to get the most out of your trading experience.
Final Word
Indian rupee trading allows investors to speculate upon the comparative strength of the INR and, indirectly, the Indian economy as a whole. The technological advancements of recent years have made the process much more accessible and straightforward than it once was, so retail traders from across the world can get involved. The currency is not one of the most popularly traded, so it suffers from reduced liquidity compared to some other major currencies, though the volatility this brings can be an attractive prospect for seasoned traders. To get started, simply open an account with a forex broker that offers currency pairs involving the INR and begin.
FAQs
What Is The Indian Rupee?
The Indian rupee (INR) is the official currency of India and exists as legal tender for more than one billion people. The currency is a managed-floating one, with exchange rates influenced by market powers like supply and demand, with the central bank trading some rupees to better their own interests.
Why Should I Trade The Indian Rupee?
Indian rupee trading can be volatile, which means successful trades could make quicker, more significant profits. Additionally, forex trading is much more accessible than it once was, so retail investors can easily access online platforms, trading charts and analysis tools.
What Strategy Should I Use When Trading The Indian Rupee?
There is no one best strategy for Indian rupee trading, or indeed any form of trading, as the markets are so unpredictable and volatile. However, successful traders are often those who are rigorous with their risk management and pay close attention to both fundamental and technical analysis, making use of historical data and useful tools. A more in-depth guide to trading strategies can be found here.
What Factors Affect The Price Of The Indian Rupee?
Many factors can affect the price of the INR, and any investors involved with Indian rupee trading should keep a close eye on them. The most noteworthy ones include central bank policy, economic health, GDP growth and the political climate.
Does India Use The Gold Standard?
India got rid of the gold standard in 1993 for a managed floating regime, whereby the currency is floated against others in the world but the central bank purchases some INR to moderately influence exchange rates.