Rupee down 20 paise in early trade

The Indian rupee depreciated by 20 paise to Rs 45.21 against the US dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange today,weighed down by dollar gains against the euro and other currencies overseas and a subdued trend in the equity market.

Forex dealers said the strengthening of the dollar against major currencies overseas and a lower opening in the domestic stock market mainly put pressure on the rupee.

The rupee ended 4 paise lower at Rs 45.01/02 against the American currency in the previous session on Friday on the back of demand from importers as the dollar gained in the global market.

Meanwhile,the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex fell sharply by 219.10 points,or 1.19 per cent,to 18,106.99 in opening trade today.