Rupee down 15 paise against US dollar in early trade

MUMBAI: The Indian Rupee depreciated by 15 paise to Rs 44.53 against the US dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange today, weighed down by a weak trend in the stock market and dollar's gain against other Asian currencies.

It had tumbled by 31 paise to close at Rs 44.38/39 per dollar in the previous session on Monday, following fresh dollar demand from importers amid sluggish equities.

The forex market remained closed yesterday on account of "Ramnavmi".

Forex dealers said that lower opening in the stock market and weakness in other Asian currencies against the American unit mainly put pressure on the rupee sentiment.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex this morning declined by 160.91 points, or 0.83 per cent to 19,101.63 level.