The rupee strengthened by 6 paise to 83.26 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on September 20 on easing global crude oil prices and rising appetite for riskier assets.

However, a sell-off in the domestic equity markets and a strong American currency against major rivals overseas restricted the rupee’s rise, traders said.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened at 83.22 against the dollar and then slipped to 83.26, registering a gain of 6 paise over its previous close.

In the initial trade, the domestic unit was moving in a tight range of 83.27-83.22 against the American currency.

In the previous session on September 18, the rupee had settled at an all-time low of 83.32 against the dollar.

Currency markets were closed on September 19 on account of Ganesh Chaturthi.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was almost unchanged at 104.83.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 1% to $93.40 per barrel.

In the domestic equity market, the 30-share BSE Sensex was trading 307.27 points or 0.45% lower at 67,289.57. The broader NSE Nifty declined 100.75 points or 0.5% to 20,032.55.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on September 18 as they sold shares worth ₹1,236.51 crore, according to exchange data.

Representational image.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

The Rupee appreciated by 10 paise to 82.93 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on September 12, tracking a positive trend in domestic equities and foreign fund inflows.

Forex traders said the Rupee is trading in a narrow range as the soft U.S. dollar and positive domestic markets provided support, while concerns over global economic slowdown and rising expectations of a rate hike by FOMC amid strong economic data from the U.S. may cap sharp gains for the local unit.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened at 82.93, registering a rise of 10 paise over its last close.

On Monday, the Rupee closed on a flat note at 83.03 against the American currency. In the initial trade, the Rupee also touched a low of 83 against the greenback.

“Major crosses have been weighed down in the last few weeks following broader strength in the dollar. Safe haven buying in the greenback is also witnessed as economic concerns in China continue to weigh on the overall market sentiment,” Gaurang Somaiya, forex and bullion analyst at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, said.

Mr. Somaiya further said that “we expect the USDINR (spot) to trade sideways and quote in the range of 82.80 and 83.20”.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, fell marginally by 0.02% to 104.55. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.39% to $90.99 per barrel.

In the domestic equity market, the 30-share BSE Sensex was trading 310.36 points or 0.46% higher at 67,437.44. The broader NSE Nifty advanced 80.40 points or 0.4% to 20,076.75.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers in the capital markets on Monday as they purchased shares worth ₹1,473.09 crore, according to exchange data.