Rupee falls by 18 paise

Mumbai: The rupee today fell by 18 paise to trade at a four-week low of Rs 45.54 against the US currency in early trade, weighed down by dollar`s gains against the major world currencies.

Dealers said rupee weakened due to dollar`s gains against other Asian currencies overseas and weak opening on the domestic stock markets.

The rupee had depreciated by 12 paise against the US currency to close at Rs 45.36/37 in the previous session.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex fell by 81.06 points to 18,779.38 in the opening trade today.