Rupee down 39 paise vs dollar in early trade

Mumbai, Mar 29: The rupee today fell by 39 paise to 51.17 against dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange market in early trade following strong month-end demand for the US currency from importers.

Dealers said dollar gains against the euro and other currencies overseas, strong month-end demand for the American currency from oil importers mainly weighed on the rupee sentiment.

A weak opening in the equity market also impacted the rupee sentiment, they said. The rupee had ended lower by 9 paise at 50.78/79 against the dollar yesterday.

The BSE benchmark Sensex dipped below 17,000 level, losing 169.35 points, or 0.94 per cent, to 16,952.27 in early trade today.

PTI