Snapping its two-session gaining streak, the rupee on Tuesday closed at a week's low of 49.29/30 after losing 35 paise against the US dollar amid fresh dollar demand from importers and a decline in stocks.

The dollar index, a gauge of six major currencies, was up by over 0.2 per cent.

The benchmark six-month forward dollar premium payable in March closed steady at 88-90 paise and far-forward contracts maturing in September also finished at its overnight closing level of 131-133 paise.

The Reserve Bank of India fixed the reference rate for the dollar at Rs 49.1360 and for the euro, at Rs 67.5815.

Bonds end mixed

Government bonds closed mixed on alternate bouts of buying and selling. The 7.80 per cent government security maturing in 2021 moved up further to Rs 93.98 from Rs 93.94 previously, while its yield held steady at 8.75 per cent.

The 8.30 per cent 2040 paper rose to Rs 93.25 from Rs 93.10, while its yield softened to 8.96 per cent from 8.97 per cent.

Call remains steady

Call rates remained steady on the overnight call money market on alternate demand and supply.

The overnight call money moved in the 8.35-7.85 per cent before concluding stable at Monday's closing level of 8.30 per cent.

The RBI, under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), purchased securities worth Rs 41,780 crore from 15 bids at the one-day repo auction at a fixed rate of 8.25 per cent.