Rupee falls by 2 paise against US dollar in opening trade

Mumbai, Feb 23 (PTI) The Indian rupee opened 2 paiselower at Rs 45.28 per US dollar in early trade on theInterbank Foreign Exchange today amid foreign fund outflows.

A weak opening in the stock market due to foreign fundoutflows put pressure on the Indian rupee, forex dealers said.

Gains registered by the US dollar against othercurrency rivals also influenced the trading sentiment, theyadded.

The rupee fell sharply by 28 paise to 45.2650/2750against the American currency yesterday due to heavy dollardemand from importers on the back of soaring oil prices amidspiralling tensions in the Middle East.

The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex opened 44.79points lower at 18,251.37 today.