The home currency in Thursday's trade opened lower at 69.21 as against yesterday's close of 69.1150. Bond yield also was trading with loss at 7.367%. The rupee was last trading at 69.16. Asian shares have been steady after hitting 8-month peak.

Oil prices have also lowered on increasing US crude stockpile. It is the inflation and industrial production number that will give direction to rupee in the week ahead.

Meanwhile, benchmark indices are likely to trade cautiously as the first phase of general elections begins today.

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