Snapping its two-day rising trend, the rupee on Wednesday lost four paise to end at 66.96 against the US dollar on fresh demand for the American currency from banks and importers. Strong foreign capital outflows also affected the rupee value. Persistent rise in the stock market failed to restrict the rupee’s loss against the dollar, a forex dealer said.

The rupee had gained by 15 paise, or 0.22 per cent, in the previous two trading days.