Rupee ends at 32-month low of 51.34/35

The Indian rupee ended at 32-monthclosing low at 51.34/35 against the American currency due to persisting demandfor the American currency from banks and importers.

The rupee resumed lower at Rs 51.05/06 per dollar on theInterbank Foreign Exchange, as against its previous close of Rs 50.90/91 perdollar, and dropped further to Rs 51.41 per dollar before ending at 51.34/35per dollar. Previously, it had ended at 51.49/51 per dollar on March 17, 2009.

The domestic currency moved in a range between 51.00 perdollar and Rs 51.41 per dollar during the day.

Sustained dollar demand from banks and importers in view ofdollar firmness in overseas markets amid weak domestic equity markets mainlyaffected the rupee value against the dollar, a forex dealer said.