Rupee at 1-month low, slides 44 p to 54.87 on capital outflows

Tracking weak stock market, the rupee today extended its losing run to the second day by plunging 44 paise to one-month low of 54.87 on US dollar demand and heavy capital outflows.
At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market here, the rupee commenced weak at 54.50 a dollar from previous close of 54.43 and immediately touched a high of 54.49.
With Indian stocks under pressure, the rupee tumbled to a low of 54.89 on emergence of dollar demand from importers and some banks on expectations of further rise in dollar overseas. It concluded at 54.87, a fall of 44 paise or 0.81 per cent.

The dollar index was up by a whopping over 0.6 per cent against a basket of six major rivals as the Japanese yen today dipped after the Bank of Japan lived up to expectations with a massive easing programme.
India remains dependent on debt related and short-term portfolio flows to bridge Current Account Deficit, said Anindya Banerjee, Currency Analyst, Kotak Securities.
Rupee could remain under pressure against the USD going forward, within a range of 54.50 and 55.30 on spot, he added.

"The rupee fell to its lowest level in almost a month amid volatile trade. The concerns on the capital inflows will leave the currency more vulnerable to a CAD. Also the capital flows into emerging markets may be diverted to the US as a recovery in world's largest economy is gathering momentum," said Abhishek Goenka, Founder and CEO, India Forex Advisors.

Yesterday, FIIs sold stocks worth Rs 368 crore.
The Indian benchmark S&P BSE Sensex today slumped by 291.94 points to end at more than four-month low of 18,509.70.