Rupee down 30 paise against dollar in early trade

The rupee lost 30 paise to 61.47 against the US dollar in early trade today on the Interbank Foreign Exchange market due to increased demand for the American currency from importers amid appreciation of the greenback overseas.

Besides, a weak opening of the domestic equity market also put pressure on the rupee, dealers said.

The rupee had gained 5 paise to close at 61.17 against the dollar in yesterday's trade on fresh selling of the US currency by exporters.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex fell by 144.44 points, or 0.66 per cent, at 21,630.17 in early trade today.