Rupee opens 5 p higher at 40.00 against USD

Mumbai, Apr 24: Rupee today opened at Rs 40.00/02 per USD with a small gain of five paise from its previous close at Rs 40.05 on expectations of renewed capital inflows into the stock market. Later, Rupee fluctuated wide range between 40.00 and 40.13 during the mid-session.

Brokers said, ''The yuan eased against the dollar on Thursday after hitting a post-revaluation high the day before, retreating as the central bank set its mid-point at a weaker level and drawing little strength from a soaring stock market.'' ''The Rupee would be lower as oil refiners step up dollar purchases to meet month-end commitments, but exporter's selling on falls is expected to stem a sharp decline'', dealers added.

UNI