Rupee down 13 paise vs dollar in early trade on May 21

The rupee today weakened by 13 paise to trade at 58.76 in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market due to increased dollar demand from importers.

A lower opening at the domestic equity market due to profit-booking, and dollar's gain against euro overseas also put pressure on the rupee, traders said.

The rupee had retreated four paise from its 11-month high levels to close at 58.63 against the dollar yesterday on fresh demand for the US currency from importers, amid some profit- booking in stocks.

Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark Sensex fell by 46.88 points, or 0.19%, at 24,330.00.