Rupee firms 24 paise vs dollar as exporters offload greenback

The rupee firmed up by 24 paise to trade at 67.78 against the US dollar in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange on fresh selling of the American currency by exporters and banks.

Forex dealers said a strong opening in domestic equity markets too supported the rupee, but dollar's strength against other currencies overseas limited the gains.

On Thursday, the rupee dropped 7 paise to close at 29-month low of 68.02 on sustained demand for the American currency from banks and importers amid fall in equities.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex regained the 24,000- mark by recovering 240.48 points or 1% to quote at 24,202.69 in early trade.