Rupee weakens by 9 paise against US dollar in morning trade

The Indian rupee fell by 9 paise to Rs45.40 against the US dollar in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange today, weighed down by dollar gains against other currencies.

Forex dealers said dollar gains against the euro and other currencies mainly put pressure on the Indian rupee, but a higher opening in the stock market restricted the losses.

The Indian rupee ended 19 paise higher at 45.49/50 against the US currency yesterday on the back of a sharp surge in local equities amid sustained dollar-selling by exporters.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex rose by 72.06 points, or 0.40% to 18,274.26 in opening trade today.