Defying intense global volatility and nervousness, the rupee on Friday continued its rally against the US dollar, surging 24 paise to end at a fresh 20-month high of 64.28 amid escalating geo-political trouble. This is its highest closing since August 11, 2015, when it had ended at 64.19 against the greenback.

The local currency opened lower than the overnight close of 64.52 and weakened to 64.69 on bouts of dollar demand from importers and banks. But it staged a spectacular rebound by settling the day with a handsome gain of 24 paise.