Re opens weaker at 44.51/52 per USD

Mumbai, Mar 23 (UNI) The rupee today traded at 44.56/57 after opening weaker at 44.51/52 per US dollar as compared to the last close of 44.50/51, said a foreign exchange (forex) dealer here.

The rupee weakened to 44.56/57 per US dollar in the mid-morning trade on weaker sentiments and pressure due to the month-end demand.

The crude oil prices in the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) stayed above the USD 62 per barrel mark at USD 62.63 per barrel putting pressure on the rupee.

The stock market's benchmark index BSE Sensex traded 14 points higher at 10,855 points which could not stop the rupee's weakening from its last close.

The meagre foreign fund inflow of Rs 181.70 crore in the equity markets on March 21 had a negative impact on the rupee.

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