Rupee up 5 paise to 44.23 a dollar in early trade

The rupee appreciated by 5 paise to trade at over 19-month high of 44.23 a dollar in early trade today in line with other firming currencies.

At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the rupee strengthened by 5 paise to 44.23 a dollar. The domestic currency had gained 17 paise to close at 44.28/29 in the previous session.

Dealers said the rupee strengthened against the US currency largely in line with other firming currencies and dollar selling by banks and exporters.

Besides, more capital inflows by foreign funds into equity markets also supported the uptrend, they added.

The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex rose by 62.11 points, or 0.34 per cent, to 17,995.25 in the opening trade.