The rupee eased in opening trades on Wednesday as doubts resurfaced about global economic growth after bleak US housing and consumer confidence.
At 9:02 am, the rupee was at 49.59/60 to the dollar, weaker from Tuesday's close of 49.44/45.
US home prices fell more steeply than expected in November, and consumers turned less optimistic in January, highlighting the hurdles still facing the bumpy economic recovery.