Rupee opens at 68.15 per dollar; gains 17 paise

The Indian rupee gained in the early trade on Thursday. It has opened higher by 17 paise at 68.15 per dollar versus 68.32 Wednesday.Mohan Shenoi of Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “President-elect Trump's press conference lacked details on economy resulting in dollar giving up some of its gains. Asian economies are struggling with the threat of greater US protectionism.”“We expect the USD-INR to trade in a range of 68-68.30/dollar for the day,” he added.The Mexican peso weakens to a historic low after US president-elect Donald Trump warned US auto companies would face a high tax for products made south of the border. The dollar index weakened to 101 mark.