Rupee appreciates 8 paise to 81.96 against US dollar

The rupee has bounced back by eight paise to 81.96 against the US dollar amid gains in the domestic equities and a weak greenback in the global market. The dollar index, indicating the strength of the greenback against six currencies, declined by 0.07% to 102.63. Brent crude traded higher at $74.51 per barrel by 0.44%. The BSE Sensex rose by 0.3%, while the Nifty gained 0.29% at 18,745.90 points. According to exchange publications, Foreign Portfolio Investors sold equity shares worth INR409.43 crore.