Rupee hits 5 week high of 65.58, up 38 paise

Strong rally in equity markets and softening dollar sentiment overseas aided the home currency

The rupee surged to its highest level in five weeks to end at 65.58 by gaining 38 paise against the US currency as exporters and banks stepped up dollar sales amid aggressive policy measures from the RBI.

Strong rally in equity markets and softening dollar sentiment overseas too aided the home currency.

The home currency has now appreciated by 58 paise in three straight days despite consistent unwinding by foreign investors from equities and debt markets.

Taking comfort from US Fed rate hike delay and easing inflationary pressure, the Reserve Bank slashed the repo rate by 50 basis points to 6.75 per cent from 7.25 per cent and announced a roadmap to increase foreign investment in sovereign securities.

This apart, the Reserve Bank also announced a medium-term framework that will increase government bond limits for foreign portfolio investment (FPI) limit in a phased manner.

The domestic currency resumed firmly higher at 65.87 per dollar compared to overnight closing level of 65.96 at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market on persistent selling of dollars by banks and exporters.

Riding higher on strong overall bullish sentiment, rupee strengthened further to close at day's highest level of 65.58, showing a smart gain of 38 paise, or 0.58 per cent - the level not seen since August 20, this year.

In overseas market, dollar edged higher against the other major currencies on Wednesday ahead of Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speech later in the day.

The US dollar index, which measures the greenback's strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, was up by 0.43 per cent at 96.46.