Rupee up 20 paise against US dollar in early trade

Mumbai, Jan 25 (PTI) The Indian rupee gained 20 paise toRs 45.48 against the US dollar in early trade at the InterbankForeign Exchange today, supported by a higher opening in thestock market and weakness of the American currency againstother major currencies.

The rupee had depreciated by 6 paise against thegreenback to close at Rs 45.68/69 per dollar in the previoussession due to late dollar demand from importers despite firmlocal equities.

Forex dealers said besides dollar weakness against otherAsian currencies and the euro overseas, a higher opening inthe stock market supported the rupee sentiment.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensexmoved up by 99.02 points to 19,250.30 in the opening tradetoday.