The rupee ended slightly stronger at 54.78 against the dollar on more dollar inflows into the Indian equity markets.

The Indian unit opened weaker at 54.89 (previous close: 54.82) as the American unit strengthened against the world's major currencies.

The dollar index was trading at 84.03, up 0.52 per cent, against a basket of world's major currencies at 5.38 p.m. local time.

Also, the wide trade deficit data reported on Monday puts upward pressure on the already high current account deficit. A higher CAD could depreciate the Indian unit further.

Intraday, the rupee moved between a high and low of 54.65 and 54.91, respectively.

Call rates, G-Secs

The interbank call money rates closed higher at 7.30 per cent from previous close of 7.25 per cent.

The 8.15 per cent government security, which matures in 2022, closed higher at Rs 104.50 from previous close of Rs 104.40. Yields softened to 7.45 per cent from previous close of 7.47 per cent.

satyanarayan.iyer@thehindu.co.in