Rupee hovers near 53/dollar

The rupee is off highs after local stocks extended falls, say dealers. Pair at 52.955/965 versus its previous close of 53.015/025. It traded in a 52.785-53.02 band.

The BSE Sensex ended 0.7% lower, moving against Asian markets which ended with gains.

The MSCI Asia ex-Japan index was up 0.53%.

Dealers say importers' buying also helped the pair.

Euro rose briefly to hit a session high against the dollar after the German ZEW survey showed better-than-expected economic sentiment.