Rupee rises 14 paise to 79.64 against U.S. dollar in early trade

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened at 79.70 against the dollar

The rupee appreciated 14 paise to 79.64 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on September 19 in line with its Asian peers and as the American currency retreated from its elevated levels.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened at 79.70 against the dollar, then touched 79.64 against the American currency, registering a gain of 14 paise over its previous close.

On Friday, the rupee declined by 7 paise to close at 79.78 against the dollar.

The rupee opened slightly stronger as Asian equities are flat or higher, dollar index is at 109.80, U.S. Treasury yields at 3.45 per cent and Asian currencies slightly more robust than Friday closing, said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury, Finrex Treasury Advisors.

"The range for the day is expected to be 79.50 to 80 with a close watch on RBI as they try to maintain the 80 level," Bhansali added.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.09% to 109.80.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.62% to $91.92 per barrel.