Rupee rises 13 paise to 79.11 against U.S. dollar in early trade

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, fell 0.14% to 105.75

The rupee strengthened by 13 paise to 79.11 against the U.S. dollar in opening trade on Monday. Forex traders said the rupee opened stronger as the dollar continued to fall on account of a less aggressive U.S. Fed and falling crude oil prices.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 79.16 against the U.S. dollar and touched 79.11 in initial deals, registering a rise of 13 paise over the last close.

In the previous session, the rupee had closed at 79.24 against the U.S. dollar.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, fell 0.14% to 105.75.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures fell 0.97% to USD 103 per barrel.

According to Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury, Finrex Treasury Advisors, the rupee is likely to trade in the range of 79 to 79.40.

"The market awaits the RBI MPC to give its rate signals on August 5," Mr. Bhansali said.