Rupee strengthens 9 paise at 65.49 against US dollar

Mumbai: The rupee appreciated by 9 paise to 65.49 against the dollar in early trade on Thursday on sustained selling of the American currency by exporters and banks amid increased foreign fund inflows.

Forex dealers said domestic equity markets opening with gains supported the rupee, but dollar's strength against other currencies overseas capped the gains.

Yesterday, the rupee had surged to its highest level in five weeks to end at 65.58 by gaining 38 paise against the US currency as exporters and banks stepped up dollar sales amid aggressive policy measures from the RBI.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rose by 266.02 points, or 1.02 per cent, to 26,420.85 in early trade.