Rupee down 12 paise against dollar

The Indian rupee depreciated by 12 paise to Rs 44.60 against the US dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange today, largely in line with weakness in other Asian currencies overseas amid a lower opening in the stock market.

The rupee fell by 12 paise to close at Rs 44.48/49 against the dollar in yesterday's trade following fresh demand for the American currency from importers and some weakness in equities.

Forex dealers said besides weakness in major currencies against the dollar overseas, the lower opening in the stock market also put pressure on the rupee sentiment.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex this morning declined by 106.95 points, or 0.55%, to 19,477.36.