Mumbai - The rupee depreciated by 15 paise to trade at fresh seven-week low of 61.49 against the US dollar in early trade today, extending its losing streak for the fifth day due to sustained month-end demand for the American currency from importers.

The dollar's gains against other currencies overseas also put pressure on the local unit and a lower opening in the domestic equity market too weighed on the rupee, forex dealers said.

The rupee had lost 38 paise to end at seven-week low of 61.34 against the greenback in yesterday's trade on slump in local shares and month-end dollar demand from importers.

In the last four days, the rupee has stumbled by 86 paise or 1.41 percent.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex fell by 102.96 points, or 0.38 percent, to 26,365.40 in early trade today. (PTI)