Rupee up 24 paise Vs dollar in early trade

The rupee today rose by 24 paise to 59.41 in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market as the dollar weakened against other major rivals overseas after US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said its huge stimulus programme would stay in place for some time.

Besides, increased dollar selling by exporters and a higher opening in the domestic equity market also supported the rupee, forex dealers said.

The rupee had gained 49 paise, the most since June 28, to close at 59.65 against dollar in yesterday's trade, after trhe RBI and Sebi took steps to curb volatility.

Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark Sensex rose by 290.26 points, or 1.50 per cent, to 19,584.38 in early trade today.