Rupee weakens 3 paise vs USD to end at 61.87, snaps 2-day rise

The dollar index was up by 0.20 percent against its major six global rivals.

Mumbai: In dull trade, Indian rupee today snapped its two-day rise and fell back by three paise to end at 61.87 against the Greenback on month-end dollar demand from importers.

The rupee had fallen to 61.92 levels intra-day but positive cues from local equities and sustained capital inflows helped it to cut losses, forex dealers said.

There was caution in the foreign exchange market ahead of quarterly GDP data release tomorrow and the RBI's monetary policy review next week, they added.

At the Interbank Forex market, the domestic currency resumed better at 61.81 a dollar from last close of 61.84.

Later, it was trapped in a narrow range of 61.80 and 61.9225 before concluding at 61.87, a fall of three paise or 0.05 percent.

In the previous two days, it had risen by ten paise or 0.16 percent while trading in a tight range.

The Indian benchmark S&P BSE Sensex today rose by 52.72 points, or 0.19 percent. FPIs/FIIs bought shares worth USD 35.65 mln yesterday, as per Sebi data.

The dollar index was up by 0.20 percent against its major six global rivals.

Pramit Brahmbhatt, CEO, Veracity Group said: "Not much movement was seen in the USD/INR pair. The pair is likely to trade range bound as investors are trading cautiously and are waiting for the credit policy due next month, which will help them to gauge the markets."

The trading range for the spot USD/INR pair is expected to be within 61.50 to 62.40, he added.

In the forward market, premia dropped on fresh receipts for exporters.

The benchmark six-month premium payable in April declined to 194.5-196.5 paise from 199.5-201.5 paise.

Forward contracts maturing in October, 2015, also tumbled to 411.5-413.5 paise from 422.75-424.75 paise.

The Reserve Bank of India fixed the reference rate for dollar at 61.8650 and for the Euro at 77.3746.

The rupee softened further against the pound to 97.48 from 97.32 yesterday and remained weak to end at 77.18 per euro from 76.95.

It slipped to 52.66 per 100 Japanese yen from 52.53.

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