The rupee failed to retain initial gains but was quoting steady at 53.69 against the dollar on Friday on the selling of the American currency by banks and exporters amid sustained capital inflows from foreign funds into equity market.
The rupee resumed flat at 53.70 a dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market, but firmed up immediately to 53.60 on some dollar demand from
banks on the back of higher dollar in overseas.
However, it failed to maintain its gains and was quoted at 53.69 a dollar at 1040 hours.
Banks and exporters preferred to reduce their dollar position on the back of sustained capital inflows from foreign funds in view of strong equity market.
The BSE 30-stock index, Sensex, was trading 155 points or 0.83 per cent up at 18,716.45 at 1050 hours.
In New York, the dollar moved up slightly yesterday on consumer confidence and private-sector jobs data.