Rupee weakens by 9 paise against US dollar in morning trade

Mumbai, Feb 15 (PTI) The Indian rupee fell by 9 paiseto Rs 45.40 against the US dollar in early trade at theInterbank Foreign Exchange today, weighed down by dollar gainsagainst other currencies.

Forex dealers said dollar gains against the euro andother currencies mainly put pressure on the Indian rupee, buta higher opening in the stock market restricted the losses.

The Indian rupee ended 19 paise higher at 45.49/50against the US currency yesterday on the back of a sharp surgein local equities amid sustained dollar-selling by exporters.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensexrose by 72.06 points, or 0.40 per cent to 18,274.26 in openingtrade today.