The Indian rupee ended higher as banks unwinded long dollar positions. Firm shares and exporters dollar sales also aided rupee. But, the dollar demand from importers limited rise.
The spot rupee ended higher at Rs 49.38 per USD as against its previous close of Rs 49.78.
Government bonds closed lower as the mood was cautious ahead of the results of the Lok Sabha elections, which are to be announced on Saturday. Surfeit liquidity conditions tempered a further fall in prices along with value buying by some investors.
The widely traded 6.05%, 2019 paper closed lower at Rs 97.35 as against its previous close of Rs 97.60.