Rupee ends at week's low at 46.21 per US dollar

Mumbai, Sep 25 (UNI) The Rupee today ended at a week's low at 46.21/22 against the US dollar with a loss of 26 paise from its last finish of 45.95 on reduced month end dollar demand from importers and some foreign banks.

Rupee weakened in early trade due to dollar demand from companies to repay overseas loans amid low volumes but expectations of central bank intervention kept a check on sharp falls.

The partially convertible Rupee resumed low at 46.03 and fluctuated in a wide range between 45.95 and 46.30 per dollar during the session. Volume were, however, very thin due to a two-day strike by state-run bank employees that began yesterday.

However, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today fixed the reference rate for US dollar at Rs 46.25 per unit, up by 42 paise, against yesterday's rate of Rs 45.83 per dollar.

The reference rate for Euro rose by 85 paise at Rs 68.11 per unit, from yesterday's close of Rs 67.26 per unit, a RBI release stated.

The six-month and annualised forward dollar premium was quoted higher at 1.74 (1.66) per cent and 1.38 (1.35) per cent respectively.

The Rupee ended lower at 67.93/95 (67.12/14) per unit against the Euro. It closed at 85.79/81 (84.74/76 ) per unit against the Pound Sterling. Rupee ended at 43.68/70 (43.14/16) per hundred units against the Japanese Yen.

UNI AR NV OBB NP1935