Sustained capital inflows also aided the rupee sentiment even as domestic stocks closed stable, said forex dealers.
At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the rupee resumed stable at its overnight closing level of 54.75 and immediately touched a low of 54.78.
However, it later turned positive and rallied to a high of 54.56 before concluding at 54.57 -- a rise of 18 paise or 0.33 per cent. It had gained 48 paise in the past two days.
Pramit Brahmbhatt, CEO, Alpari Financial Services (India) said: "The USD/INR pair continued to revisit new intraday high and low during the session on corporate selling and importer buying. The dollar index which eased from its high of around 80.80 levels witnessed some sharp rebound in Euro which has been trading on to its lower berth."
CRISIL has estimated that the rupee may appreciate by around 7 per cent from current levels.
"The rupee is expected to settle at around 51-52 per US dollar by March-end 2014, from the current levels of around 55 per US dollar," it said.
The dollar index was down by 0.32 per cent against a basket of six major global currencies ahead of the European Central Bank's policy decision later today.
India will release November IIP data tomorrow and December inflation data next Monday.
Meanwhile, the Indian stock market benchmark Sensex today closed almost stable -- down by a mere 3.04 points or 0.02 per cent. FIIs had infused USD 158.10 million yesterday in equities, as per Sebi data. (MORE)
