MUMBAI: The rupee on Tuesday lost 24 paise to trade at 61.97 against the dollar in late morning deals on renewed demand for the US currency from banks and importers, despite firm local equity market. The rupee resumed slightly lower at 61.75 as against the last weekend's level of 61.73 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market and hovered in the range of 61.75-61.99 before quoting at 61.97 at 1045 hrs. The rupee had gained 39 paise to close at 61.73 against the dollar in Monday's trade. Renewed dollar demand from importers mainly affected the rupee value against the dollar, a forex dealer said. In New York, the dollar fell broadly on Mondayahead of the start of the Federal Reserve's two-day meeting. Meanwhile, oil prices edged lower in Asian trade on growing expectations the US Federal Reserve will scale back its stimulus programme after a key policy meeting this week, analysts said. New York's main contract, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for January delivery, was down 11 cents at USD 97.37 in early trade. The benchmark Sensex shot up by 102.76 points or 0.50 pct to 20,762.28 at 1100hrs.

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