Mumbai: The rupee closed marginally lower at 73.52 against the American currency on Thursday, tracking a rebound in the US dollar index.
Forex traders said a bullish trend in the domestic equities and sustained foreign fund inflows supported the local unit, but firm crude oil prices and stronger dollar against key currencies weighed on overall sentiment.
At the interbank foreign exchange market, the domestic currency opened flat at 73.51, witnessed an intra-day high of 73.34 and a low of 73.52 against the American currency during day trade.
The local unit finally settled for the day at 73.52, down 2 paise over its previous close.
Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.24 per cent higher at 92.77.
Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark fell 0.07 per cent to USD 75.41 per barrel.
“Rupee rose in the first half of the session following sharp gains in domestic equities and suspected fund flows. But in the latter half, the currency fell as the dollar rose against its major crosses,” said Gaurang Somaiyaa, Forex & Bullion Analyst, Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
Somaiyaa further said that the focus will be on the retail sales number that will be released from the US.
“Expectation is that contraction could be lower in August compared to the previous month, and help the dollar extend gains. We expect the USDINR (Spot) to trade sideways and quote in the range of 73.20 and 73.80,” he said. —PTI

Press Trust of India