Rupee opens higher by two paise at 44.96/98

Mumbai, Nov 21: The rupee today opened higher by two paise and was quoted at Rs 44.96/98 per US dollar as compared to it's previous close of Rs 44.98/99 per US dollar, on account of scattered demand of the dollar by bankers, traders said.

Later, the domestic currency plunged to Rs 45.06/08 per USD on account of short-covering by local dealers, and is now trading again weaker by four paise, at Rs 45.02/03 per USD from it's previous close, due to lack of fresh demand of the dollar from the corporate sector and nationalised banks, traders added.

UNI