Rupee opens flat at 66.65 against US dollar

Rupee on Friday opened marginal 1 paisa down at 66.65 against the dollar as market participants remained cautious amid continuing trade talks between US and China while awaiting US April jobs data later in the day.

The local currency on Thursday edged higher by marginal 2 paise to settle at 66.64 against the American currency as rally in crude oil prices came to a halt. Optimistic tax collection number for March also provided some respite.

Foreign institutional investors (FII) were net sellers to the tune of Rs 148.42 crore in the previous session, as per data available with stock exchanges.

Meanwhile, domestic equity markets opened on a cautious note following global cues. The BSE Sensex opened 41.82 points, or 0.12 per cent, up at 35,144.96, while the NSE Nifty index opened 20.80 points, or 0.19 per cent, up at 10,700.45.

The dollar index has advanced around 1 per cent so far this week, putting it on track for third straight weekly gain. The employment report for April due on Friday will be evaluated for further indications of strength of the US labour market and inflation pressures.