Monday, May 15 2006 11:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: The Rupee today (May15, 2006) tumbled again the US currency on renewed hectic dollar demand amid a slowdown in foreign fund inflows in nervous early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market.

Opening distinctly weak at Rs 45.10/12 per dollar, the rupee plunged to Rs 45.4750/1850 per dollar, sharply lower from Friday's close of Rs 45.0450/0550.

Despite a retreating dollar overseas, the rupee once again succumbed to heavy dollar demand from corporates and importers amid a slowdown in FIIs inflows.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FII) pulled out a massive US$ 266.80 million from the Equity market on May 11 on fears of a slowdown in economic reforms following the left parties thumping win in two crucial states.

World crude oil prices were hovering around US$ 71.35 a barrel in early trade today due to supply concerns.

The BSE Sensex tumbled by over 145 points and was quoted at 12,139.26 within 15 minutes trading on Monday.

In Cross Currency Trade, the Euro was quoted at Rs 58.32/34, Pound Sterling at Rs 85.52/54 and a Japanese Yen (100) at Rs 41.16/18.