Rupee up 18 paise against dollar in early trade

Currency up on the back of increased foreign fund flows

The rupee moved up by 18 paise to trade at 51.40 against the dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange market in early trade today on increased foreign fund inflows.

Dealers said increased foreign funds inflows mainly supported the rupee but dollar's gains against the euro overseas, restricted the gains.

The rupee had closed 16 paise lower at Rs 51.58/59 against the US currency yesterday on fresh dollar demand from importers and some banks.

Meanwhile, the 30-share BSE Sensex moved up 52.45 points, or 0.30%, to 17,385.07 in early trade today.