Rupee down 24 paise, at 55.34/dollar

Strengthening of the American currency overseas and increased dollar demand weighs on rupee

The rupee declined by a hefty 24 paise to 55.34 in early trade today at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market on strengthening of the American currency overseas and increased dollar demand.

Forex dealers said besides dollar's gains against euro and other currencies in the overseas markets, increased dollar demand from importers and some banks also put pressure on the domestic currency.

They, however, said a higher opening in the stock market capped the rupee's losses.

The BSE benchmark Sensex recovered by 65.74 points, or 0.35%, to 18,395.06 in early trade today.

Yesterday, the rupee had lost 4 paise to close at 55.10 amid fresh dollar demand.