The rupee weakened by 18 paise to Rs 49.64 per dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange on Wednesday amid weak equity markets.

Dealers attributed the rupee's fall to dollar gains against the euro overseas and a lower opening in the stock market.

The rupee had closed 33 paise higher at Rs 49.46/47 per US dollar on Tuesday in line with sharp rebound in equities amid fresh dollar selling by exporters and some banks.

Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark Sensex was down by 54.62 points, or 0.32 per cent, at 17,138.93 in early trade.

Related Articles G8 growth talk leaves wary markets awaiting action Montek feels govt should raise petroleum prices Falling rupee a concern; Centre not sitting idle: Pranab Achieving 7.5 pc growth in 2012-13 tough task: Montek Depreciating rupee to push up prices of manufactured goods Related Images