Rupee ends firm at 39.44/45 per USD

Mumbai, Dec 24 (UNI) The Rupee ended stronger by ten paise against the US Dollar at 39.44/45 from its previous close of 39.54/55, riding on the whopping gains in the Indian equity markets.

The partially convertible Indian currency resumed firm at 39.46/48 per dollar on sustained inflows in the local equity market on strong global cues. It moved in a range band of 39.43 and 39.53 during the day trade, dealers said.

''Rupee was at gain agianst american greenback due to heavy fund inflows and it was supported at many levels by the reported intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI),'' a senior dealer with a leading private bank said. Strong buying by the PSU banks and importers was observed during the day trade, he added.

Indian markets are closed tomorrow for Christmas. The six-month forward premium closed marginally higher at 1.63 (1.52) per cent, while annualized premium ended at 1.22 (1.13) per cent.

Meanwhile, RBI today fixed the reference rate at Rs 39.49 per Dollar. The reference rate was down by 8 paise compared to its previous rate of Rs 39.57.

The Rupee traded in a mix against other major world currencies today. The Indian unit ended firm at 56.77/78 (56.57/58) against the Euro, while it closed strong at 78.06/07 (78.53/54) per unit against Pound Sterling. Against Japanese Yen, it ended at 34.50/51 (34.90/91) per hundred units.

UNI