Rupee loses 19 paise against US dollar in early trade

The Indian rupee fell by 19 paise to Rs 51.90 per US dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange on Thursday amid appreciation of the American currency against other rivals overseas and a weak opening in the domestic equity market.

Sustained demand for the dollar from importers also put pressure on the rupee.

Dealers attributed the rupee's fall to dollar gains against other currency rivals overseas, in addition to a lower opening in the domestic stock market.

The rupee had closed 30 paise higher at Rs 51.71/72 per US dollar in Wednesday's trade amid sustained dollar demand from importers.

Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark Sensex was down by 102.54 points, or 0.60 per cent, at 16,774.52 in opening trade on Thursday.