Rupee gains 9 paise against $ in early trade

The Indian rupee appreciated by 9 paise to Rs 45.39 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange today, supported by a higher opening in the stock market and dollar weakness against other currencies overseas.

The rupee had lost 36 paise to close at Rs 45.48/49 a dollar in the previous session due to heavy month-end dollar demand from importers and a steep fall in the domestic equity market.

Forex dealers said dollar weakness against other currencies and a higher opening in the stock market kept the rupee sentiment firm.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange Sensex was up by 166.87 points at 17,799.28 in opening trade today.