The rupee on Tuesday ended marginally higher by one paisa to close at 66.43 against the American currency and continued its upward march for the third day on selling of dollars by banks and exporters in view of sustained foreign capital inflows.
A positive trend in equity market also boosted the sentiment as the Sensex ended higher by another 123.43 points or 0.49 per cent for the second straight day on Tuesday.
The domestic currency resumed higher at 66.40 as against yesterday's level of 66.44 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market and hovered in a range of 66.39 and 66.5575 per dollar before finishing at 66.43, showing a mere gain of one paise or 0.02 per cent.
The domestic currency has gained by 23 paise or 0.35 per per cent in the last three trading days.
The dollar index was down by 0.15 per cent against a basket of six global currencies in the late Asian trade.
In cross-currency trades, the rupee dropped further against the pound sterling to close at 95.05 from 94.59 on Monday.
However, it moved up against the euro to 75.76 per euro from 75.78 yesterday and also looked up against the yen to 61.39 per 100 yens from 61.43 previously.
The US dollar gained against the yen but fell against the euro after the Japanese finance minister's latest warning against excessive yen strength.
Sensex rallies 348 points to end at 1-week high; IIP, CPI eyed
Rupee gains 10 paise against dollar in early trade
Rupee drops further by 20 paise vs USD, ends at 66.66
Markets end flat amid consolidation; Metals outshine