The rupee on Friday strengthened by four paise to close at a fresh two-month high 71.93 against the US currency. The domestic currency continued its gaining streak for the fourth day, despite a rebound in oil prices and a stronger dollar. Increased selling of the US currency by exporters and banks and gains in domestic equity markets helped the rupee. The domestic currency has posted gains of 57 paise or 0.79 per cent this week to touch two-month high levels. The rupee opened higher at 71.94 per dollar against the last close of 71.97 per dollar and later touched a high of 71.71 per dollar on forex inflows and positive export data.

Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex Friday continued its rising streak for the second day to end at near a four-week high of 35,436.33, fuelled by gains in Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel and other bluechips amid continued foreign fund inflows and strengthening rupee. A higher opening in European shares too influenced sentiments here.

The Sensex opened higher and advanced further to scale the day’s high of 35,545.85, but settled at 35,457.16 points, a gain of 196.62 points, or 0.56 per cent, due to profit-taking activity.