The Indian national currency has fallen 17 paise to about 59.84 against the US dollar in early trade at Interbank Foreign Exchange market heading towards the mark of 60 against the American currency.

The dealers said that the increased demand from the importers for the American currency increased pressure on the Indian Rupee. They said that the rupee was falling due to higher demand for the dollar but the fall was contained due to a strong opening in the domestic stock exchange and EuroBs rise against the US dollar in the American currency.

The Indian rupee had closed 33 paise lower at 59.67 per dollar on Thursday as the US Federal Reserve assured markets regarding the fiscal stimulus package strengthened the dollar. The BSE benchmark Sensex increased
102.20 points, or 0.50 per cent, to 20,230.61 in early trade on Friday.