Rupee opens stronger at 44.6450/6550 per USD

Mumbai, Apr 5: The rupee today opened six to seven paise stronger at 44.6450/6550 per US dollar as compared to the last close of 44.71/72, said a foreign exchange (forex) dealer here.

Later in the mid-morning session, the Indian unit traded weaker at 44.68/69 per dollar, he added.

The foreign funds inflow of Rs 477 crore in the equity markets on Monday, as reported by SEBI, was likely to support the rupee at higher levels.

The key index of the Bombay Stock Exchange, which was up by over 100 points at 11,739 points this morning, may also support the rupee at present levels.

However, the higher crude oil prices at USD 65.98 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange was likely to keep the rupee under pressure.

UNI