Rupee gains 3 paise

Mumbai: The Indian rupee strengthened by 3 paise to Rs 44.69 per dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange today, supported by a higher opening in the stock market and increased capital inflows.

However, the dollar`s rise against some other currencies capped the rupee gains.

The rupee had appreciated by 6 paise to close at Rs 44.72/73 against the US currency in yesterday`s trade on fresh selling of dollars by banks and corporates.

Forex dealers said a better opening in the stock market helped the rupee to rise, but the dollar`s strength against some currencies limited the gains.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange Sensex was up by 39.29 points, or 0.21 per cent, at 18,568.25 in opening trade today.