Rupee edges up, bonds fall after latest RBI measures

MUMBAI: The rupee today recovered by 10 paise to trade at 61.33 against dollar on increased selling of the US currency by banks after RBI announced stern measures to curb forex outflow amid weakening of the US currency overseas.

Dealers said selling of the American currency by banks and exporters after the RBI announced stern measures on Wednesday to support the rupee and dollar's weakness against other currencies overseas helped rupee to trade a shade higher.

The Reserve Bank on Wednesday reduced the limit for overseas direct investment (ODI) by domestic companies, other than oil PSUs, under the automatic route from 400 per cent of net worth to 100 per cent to curb forex outflow. Oil India and ONGC Videsh are exempt from this limitation.

The rupee had lost 24 paise to close at an all-time low of 61.43 against he US currency in the previous session on Wednesday after July inflation rose to a five-month high. Forex market remained closed yesterday on account of Independence Day.

Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark index Sensex fell by 145.82 points, or 0.75 per cent, to 19,221.77 in early trade today.