Rupee hits one-week high on $ sale by exporters

The currency rose by 16 paise to close at 54.18, following fresh selling of the dollar by exporters

The rupee today rose by 16 paise to close at a one-week high of 54.18, following fresh selling of the dollar by exporters, amid strengthening of the euro after Cyprus reached a bailout agreement with international lenders.

Forex dealers said continued capital inflows helped.

Bonds end mixed
Government securities (G-sec) ended mixed on alternate bouts of buying and selling.

The 8.15 per cent G-sec maturing in 2022 climbed to Rs 101.28 from Rs 101.1950 previously, while its yield inched down to 7.95 per cent from 7.96 per cent.

The 8.33 per cent G-sec maturing in 2026 gained to Rs 102.24 from Rs 102.20, while its yield held steady at 8.05 per cent.

However, the 8.20 per cent G-sec maturing in 2025 moved down 101.16 from Rs 101.18, while its yield held stable at 8.05 per cent.

The 8.19 per cent G-sec maturing in 2020 eased to Rs 101.21 from Rs 101.22, while its yield also ruled unchanged at 7.95 per cent.

Call rates end higher
Call money rates ended higher on good demand from borrowing banks.

The overnight call money rate finished higher at 7.75 per cent from last Friday's closing level of 7.50 per cent. It moved in a range of 7.95 per cent and 7.00 per cent.

The Reserve Bank of India under the liquidity adjustment facility purchased securities worth Rs 1,49,260 crore in 47 bids at the one-day repo auction at a fixed rate of 7.50 per cent.

The central bank sold securities worth Rs 25 crore in one-bid at the one-day reverse repo auction at a fixed rate of 6.50 per cent.