Rupee falls to nearly 1-month low of 61.72 vs dollar, down 17 paise

The rupee had finished lower by four paise at 61.55 against the American unit in Thursday's trade on renewed dollar demand from banks and importers.

The Indian rupee on Friday fell for the second day and depreciated by 17 paise to end at nearly one-month low of 61.72 against the greenback on sustained dollar demand even as local stock indices surged to new highs.

The rupee resumed lower at 61.61 per dollar as against Thursday's closing level of 61.55 at the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market.

Later, it slipped further to 61.83, before concluding the day at 61.72 per dollar, reporting a loss of 17 paise or 0.28 per cent.

This is its lowest close since ending at 61.83 per dollar on October 16, 2014.

On Friday, it moved in a range of 61.60 per dollar and 61.83 per dollar during the session.

"Rupee depreciated sharply in last hour of the trade marching towards 62 after breaking 61.75.

USD index also inched higher suggesting strength in USD against major world currencies.

Most Asian currencies remained weak against USD," said Kiran Kumar Kavikondala, Director & CEO, WealthRays Securities.

In New York market, the pound continued to move lower against the dollar during the North American trading day on Thursday, reaching its lowest level since September 9.

The US dollar rose higher against its major rivals. It ruled at a fresh seven-year high against Japanese yen, bolstered by rising Japanese equities.

The dollex index was quoting higher by 0.22 per cent against major currencies in the global market.