Rupee rises 19 paise to 66.73/$

The rupee appreciated for the second day on Wednesday to end at a one-week high of 66.73 against the US dollar even as the Federal Reserve’s decision on an interest rate hike looks imminent. Besides, heavy unwinding of dollars by banks and corporates, along with upbeat equities, supported the rupee upmove. The local currency resumed almost flat at 66.91 at the forex market, from its overnight close of 66.92. The rupee has gained 36 paise after recovering from over a two-year low touched on December 14.