Rupee down 33 paise at 54.83/dollar

Increased demand for the US currency from importers amid firm global cues affects rupee

The rupee today weakened by 33 paise to 54.83 against the dollar in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market due to increased demand for the US currency from importers amid firm global cues.

Forex dealers said besides dollar's gains against euro and yen overseas, increased demand from oil importers for the American currency and a weak opening in the stock market also put pressure on the rupee.

The rupee had lost 15 paise to close at 54.50 against the US dollar yesterday.

Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark Sensex fell by 43.29 points, or 0.22%, to 19,721.49 in early trade today.