Rupee slumps 21 paise to 74.65 against US dollar in early trade
The Indian rupee depreciated 21 paise to 74.65 against the US dollar in opening trade on Wednesday, as rising crude prices and strength of the American currency in the overseas market weighed on investor sentiments. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened on a weak note at 74.63, then fell further to 74.65, registering a decline of 21 paise from the last close. On Tuesday, the rupee had settled at 74.44 against the US dollar. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback"s strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.14 per cent to 94.11.