Rupee down 36 paise against dollar after US Federal Reserve's decision

The rupee fell sharply by 36 paise to 62.77 against the dollar in early trade on Thursday at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market on increased demand for the American currency from importers after the US Federal Reserve decided to scale back its stimulus.

Forex dealers said the US Federal Reserve's move to scale back its stimulus programme put pressure on other currencies overseas. Besides, month-end demand from importers for the American currency and a lower opening of the domestic equity market also weighed on the rupee, they said.

The rupee had gained 10 paise to close at 62.41 against the US dollar in yesterday's trade. Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex fell by 196.27 points, or 0.95 %, to 20,451.03 in early trade on Thursday.