The Indian rupee ended stronger on Friday as positive local shares and the euro's gains against the dollar supported, but persistent demand for the greenback from importers prevented a sharper rise. The partially convertible rupee closed at 45.16/17 per dollar, 0.3 percent stronger than its previous close of 45.30/31. It moved in a 45.1525-45.2600 band during the day.
The one-month onshore forward premium was at 22 points, higher than 21.50 points at Thursday's close. The three-month was at 70.50 points versus 69.50 and the one-year was at 269.50 points against 263. The one-month offshore non-deliverable forward contracts were quoted at 45.40, weaker than the onshore spot rate. In the currency futures market , the most traded near-month dollar-rupee contracts on the National Stock Exchange, the MCX-SX and the United Stock Exchange were at 45.4050, 45.4075 and 45.4050, respectively. Total volume was at $6.3 billion.