Extending its gains for the sixth straight session, the Indian rupee today appreciated by 18 paise against the dollar in early trade as the US currency weakened against other major currencies amid expectations of capital inflows by foreign funds.
At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the local unit, which gained 10 paise at 47.37/38 yesterday, hardened by 18 paise to 47.19.
Dealers in foreign exchange said the rupee continued to draw support from expectations of increased capital inflows into the country on prospects of political stability.
The benchmark Sensex on the Bombay Stock Exchange yesterday ended lower by 324.12 points or 2.31 per cent.