Rupee opens high at 44.43/45 against US dollar

Mumbai, Jan 9: The Rupee today opened higher at 44.43/45 against US dollar compared to yesterday's close of 44.52/53 on fresh demand of dollar by forein banks and local investors, dealers said.

Later, the Rupee fluctuated between 44.42 and 44.4750 on some short-covering by banks.

It slid close to the psychological barrier of 44.50 as a firm shift in US interest rate outlook, weak Asian currencies and negative local stock indices took toll. Rupee liquidity tightened but unlike in recent weeks sell-buy swaps extended no support to the Rupee amid healthy corporate demand, dealers added.

UNI