Rupee appreciates 15 paise against dollar

Staying with its winning momentum for the fourth consecutive day, the rupee strengthened 15 paise to 67.17 against the dollar today in the forex market on increased selling of the US currency by banks and exporters.

Dealers said a higher opening in the domestic equity market amid hopes of pick-up in foreign capital inflows and a weakening dollar against other currencies overseas added to the rupee's gains.

On Friday, the rupee had risen 20 paise to settle at 1-1/2 week high of 67.32 on persistent dollar selling amid firm equities.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rallied 201.10 points, or 0.74 per cent, to 27,346.01 in early trade today.