Rupee down 18 paise against dollar in early trade

Forex dealers said besides dollar's gains against euro in the overseas markets on worsening euro-zone debt crisis amid growing fears that Spain may need a full bailout, a weak opening in the stock market also put pressure on the local unit.

The rupee had ended lower by 14 paise at 56.11 against the dollar yesterday due to continued dollar buying by importers.

Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark Sensex fell by 68.24 points, or 0.40 per cent, at 16,849.84 in early trade.