Rupee up 20 paise against dollar in early trade

The Indian rupee gained 20 paise to Rs 45.48 against the US dollar in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange today, supported by a higher opening in the stock market and weakness of the American currency against other major currencies.

The rupee had depreciated by 6 paise against the greenback to close at Rs 45.68/69 per dollar in the previous session due to late dollar demand from importers despite firm local equities.

Forex dealers said besides dollar weakness against other Asian currencies and the euro overseas, a higher opening in the stock market supported the rupee sentiment.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex moved up by 99.02 points to 19,250.30 in the opening trade today.