The rupee ended lower at 54.25 against the dollar hurt by heavy demand for the American currency from oil importers and weaker equity market. The benchmark Sensex ended 51.14 points lower at 19939.04 points in early trade. The Indian unit opened almost unchanged from the previous close at 54.17. The Indian unit had closed at 54.16 on Wednesday. According to dealers, the rupee may face some pressure on demand from oil importers in the days ahead. Intra-day, the rupee moved between a high and low of 54.15 and 54.32, respectively.

Call rates, G-Secs

The inter-bank call money rates closed flat from its previous close at 7.30 per cent. During the day, it moved between 7.25 per cent to 7.35 per cent. The 8.15-per cent government security, which matures in 2022, closed sharply higher at Rs 103.52 from the previous close of Rs 102.92. This marks the second consecutive day of sharp rise in the G-Sec price. Yields softened to 7.60 per cent from the previous close of 7.69 per cent. On Wednesday, the yields had softened 5 basis points from 7.74 per cent. Treasury managers believe that the yields would continue to be range bound at 7.70 levels in the current month.

satyanarayan.iyer@thehindu.co.in

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