Rupee gains 5 paise vs dollar in early trade

Mumbai, Apr 17: The rupee appreciated by 5 paise to 51.62 against the US dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange market in early trade today as the American currency fell against the euro and other currencies overseas.

Besides gains in the euro and other currencies against the US dollar, a higher opening in the equity market on foreign funds buying further supported the rupee, dealers said.

The rupee had ended lower by 37 paise to close at nearly three-month low of 51.67/68 against the US currency in yesterday's trade following heavy dollar demand from importers.

Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark Sensex rose by 18.23 points, or 0.11 per cent, to Rs 17,169.18 points in early trade.

PTI