The rupee further dropped by 22 paise to 64.50 against the dollar due to growing safe haven appeal for the American currency owing to increased geo-political risks and higher chances of a tighter US monetary policy.

The rupee opened marginally lower at 64.33 against last Friday’s level of 64.28. It moved in a range of 64.50 to 64.31 during morning deals before quoting at 64.44, down 16 paise at 11.35 am local time.

Meanwhile, the dollar index was trading steady at 101.23 against a basket of six currencies.

Overseas, the dollar started the week at a three-week high against the basket of currencies after a key US Federal Reserve official reinforced the central bank’s commitment to interest rate hikes, going forward.

Meanwhile, the benchmark Sensex was trading higher by 27.72 points or 0.09 per cent at 29,734.33.