Rupee firms up 14 paise against dollar in early morning trade

The rupee firmed up by 14 paise to 67.54 against the dollar on Thursday following sustained selling of the US currency by exporters and banks, with a higher opening in the equity market backing it up.

Forex dealers said weakness in the US dollar against some other currencies overseas provided added momentum to the rupee.

Fresh inflows by foreign funds and a higher opening in domestic stocks gave the uptrend a leg to stand on.

On Wednesday, the domestic unit had gained 27 paise to close at 67.68 on dollar selling by lenders and exporters amid firming stock markets.

Meanwhile, the benchmark Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex rallied 240.72 points, or 0.90%, to 26,981.11, in early morning trade on Thursday.