Washing out overnight gains, the rupee today closed 15 paise lower at 63.82 against the US dollar on fresh demand for the greenback from importers amidst a firm American currency in the overseas market.
Besides, a higher dollar overseas following unexpectedly better US housing data for April, weighed on the rupee.
The dollar index was up by 0.30 per cent against a basket of six major global rivals in late Asian trade today. However, firm domestic stocks and renewed capital inflows restricted the fall in the rupee, a forex dealer said. At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the domestic unit commenced weak at 63.78 per dollar from overnight close of 63.67 and immediately touched a low of 63.88 before ending at 63.82, disclosing a fall of 15 paise or 0.24 per cent. Yesterday, it had appreciated by five paise or 0.08 per cent. The domestic currency moved in a range of 63.66 and 63.88 during the day.
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The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex ended higher by 191.68 points, or 0.68 per cent, after yesterday’s fall of nearly 42 points. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), who were sellers from past few days, bought shares worth Rs 48.06 crore yesterday, as per provisional data.