Rupee up 19 paise to Rs 45.56 against US dollar in early trade

Mumbai, Feb 2 (PTI) The Indian rupee gained 19 paise toRs 45.56 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 against theeuro.

The rupee had appreciated by 15 paise to close at Rs45.75/76 against the US currency yesterday on the back offresh dollar-selling by exporters, even as the equity marketexperienced sharp losses.

Dealers said that in addition to dollar weakness againstother currency rivals overseas, a higher opening in the stockmarket today boosted the rupee sentiment.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensexshot up by 219.18 points, or 1.21 per cent, to 18,241.40 inopening trade today.