Mumbai, July 23: The rupee ended 20 paise weaker at 96.73 against the US dollar on Thursday, descending to almost its lowest level for the second time in two months, weighed down by surging crude oil prices amid worsening West Asia crisis.
Forex traders said that selling pressure in domestic equities prompted further withdrawal of foreign capital, putting more pressure on the local currency.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 96.53 and traded in a range of 96.45-96.73 during the day before settling at 96.73, down 20 paise from its previous close.
The rupee depreciated by 28 paise to close at 96.53 against the US dollar on Wednesday.
The Indian currency recorded its lowest-ever closing level at 96.86 against the greenback on May 20, when it also touched the lowest intra-day level of 96.95. (PTI)
