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India's current account deficit is expected to stay comfortable at $10.1 billion in this financial year, largely on account of likely demand moderation post the demonetisation move, says a Citigroup report.
According to the global financial services major, the country's current account could likely widen in financial year 2017-18 to $30 billion or 1.2 per cent of GDP.
"Incorporating the October data and with likely demand moderation post the demonetisation move, we expect current account deficit to stay comfortable at $10.1 billion in FY17 or 0.5 per cent of GDP," Citigroup said in a research note.
As per the report, the current account could likely widen in financial year 2018 as average crude prices are expected to rise, along with the gold demand in the next fiscal year.
Moreover, higher exports growth and non-oil, non gold imports are likely to widen the country's current account situation as well.
India's merchandise trade deficit widened to $10.2 billion in October from $8.3 billion last month, almost entirely due to an increase in monthly gold imports.
Gold imports rose to $3.5 billion from $1.8 billion last month as jewellery demand increased in the festive season.
"The last two months of trade data reinforces our view that after two years of steady decline, exports and imports growth have begun to normalise as commodity prices stabilise," Citigroup said.
Citigroup expects capital flows at $39 billion in financial year 2017 taking BoP surplus to $29 billion (earlier estimate $24 billion). The BoP surplus is likely to improve further in financial year 2018 to $39 billion as NRI deposits swing to positive.
On rupee, it noted that "we believe RBI should be able to smooth any sharp currency moves and stabilize US dollar rupee in the 66 to 68 range".
