Rupee opens high at 44.15/17 against per USD

Mumbai, Jan 18: The Rupee today opened high at 44.15/17 compared to 44.19/20 per US dollar on the previous day's close on selling pressure of dollar by foreign banks, dealers said.

Later it fluctuated between 44.15 and 44.25 during the mid-morning session.

The Rupee breached 44.20 late in the day after regular importer demand slowed down the upside earlier. Traders observed oil companies buying Dollars while crude neared USD 50 per barrel.

Rupee stuck to a narrow range above 44.25 also with the intervention factor coming into speculation although exporter supplies were healthy, dealers added.

UNI