The Indian rupee fell by 5 paise to 45.01 per US dollar in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange today, weighed down by dollar gains against the euro and other currencies overseas.
Forex traders said strengthening of the dollar against the euro and other currencies and a subdued start in the stock market and demand for the American currency from oil importers mainly put pressure on the rupee.
The rupee rose by 5 paise to close at nearly a three-week high of 44.96/9650 against the US currency in yesterday's trade on continued dollar-selling by banks and exporters amid a rebound in equities.
Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex fell by 16.26 points to 17,97204 in opening trade today.