The rupee sustained its value versus the dollar at the commencing session of Year 2020, dealers said on the money market on Wednesday.
In the New York trade, the dollar slid to a six-month low on Tuesday as progress on US-China trade tensions led investors to higher-risk assets, while a year-end rally that pushed global equity markets to record highs petered out on the last trading day of 2019.
The year was remarkable for investors, as many equity indices, long-term bonds, oil and gold posted double-digit gains.
US President Donald Trump said the Phase 1 trade pact with China would be signed on Jan. 15 at the White House, though confusion remains about details of the agreement.
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Open Bid Rs 154.70
Open Offer Rs 155.00
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According to currency dealers, the greenback lost 15-paisas for buying and ended lower at Rs 154.20 against the opening rate of Rs 154.35 whereas it remained firmed for selling at Rs 154.90.
Furthermore, the rupee continued its downward momentum for the third consecutive day against the pound sterling. Consequently, the pound's buying and selling rates further rose from the Tuesday's closing of Rs 202.00 and Rs 202.80 to Rs 202.20 and Rs 203.60 respectively, they added.
The dollar opened at Rs 155.20(buying) and Rs 155.30(selling) against last rate of Rs 155.15(buying) and Rs 155.25(selling).
It closed at Rs 155.20(buying) and Rs 155.30(selling).
The buying and selling rates of one tola of gold were Rs 84,400 (selling) and Rs 84,200 (buying) in the local Sarafa (gold) markets of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.