Rupee ends lower by 15 p at 40.26/28 against USD

Mumbai, Mar 24: The Rupee today closed lower by 15 paise at 40.26/28 against the US Dollar as the equity markets improved, coupled with fresh purchase of dollars by FIIs, dealers said. Indian currency opened the day on a firm note at 40.38/40 and then traded with a range band gap of about fifteen paise in a fairly active interbank foreign exchange market, before ending lower in late trade, dealers said.

Meanwhile, the six-month premium was quoted marginally higher at 1.76 (1.74) per cent and annualised premium closed at 1.28 (1.26) per cent. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) fixed the reference rate for the US dollar at Rs 40.34, down by 11 paise from its last close.

The Rupee closed firm today at 61.96/98 (63.32/34) against the Euro. It ended at 79.62/64 (80.53/55) per unit against the Pound Sterling and closed at 40.30/32 (40.67/69) per hundred units against the Japanese Yen.

UNI