Rupee down 15 paise against US dollar in early trade

The Indian rupee fell by 15 paise to Rs 52.17 per US dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange today amid increased demand for the American currency from importers.

In addition, a weak opening in the equity market also put pressure on the Indian rupee.

Dealers said month-end dollar demand from importers and a lower opening in the equity market mainly weighed on the rupee sentiment.

The rupee had lost 7 paise to close at Rs 52.02/03 against the American currency in yesterday's trade on weakness in domestic stocks amid fresh dollar demand from importers.

The BSE benchmark Sensex fell by 158.77 points, or 0.99%, to 15,849.57 in early trade today.