The Indian rupee declined 9 paise to 73.18 against the U.S. dollar in opening trade on Thursday, June 3 tracking the strengthening of the American currency in the overseas market. At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened lower at 73.17 against the dollar, and lost further ground and touched 73.18, registering a fall of 9 paise over its previous close.

Market players remained attentive ahead of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) monetary policy meeting outcome scheduled to be announced on Friday. Most Asian currencies have started mostly flat to marginally stronger against the U.S. dollar this morning and could lend support, Reliance Securities said in a research note. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.06percent to 89.96.

During mid-session, Thursday, Markets hold modest gains with media, metal and realty stocks in the fast lane. Sensex floats over 52000. Nifty50 near 15,640.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures advanced 0.62percent to USD71.79 per barrel. Foreign institutional investors were net buyers in the capital market on Wednesday as they purchased shares worth Rs921.10 crore, as per exchange data.

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