The Indian Rupee depreciated 15 paise to 74.70 against the US dollar in opening trade on Wednesday amid a weak risk appetite in the region. Forex traders said firm American currency, rising crude oil prices and broad weakness in the domestic equity market also weighed on investor sentiment. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 74.60 against the dollar, then fell further to 74.70, registering a fall of 15 paise over its previous close.

On Tuesday, the rupee had settled at 74.55 against the US dollar. The Indian rupee started on a weaker note this Wednesday against the greenback tracking broad dollar strength and weak regional risk appetite, Reliance Securities said in a research note. Asian currencies have started weaker against the American currency this morning and could weigh on sentiments, the note added. Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures fell 0.03 per cent to USD 74.55 per barrel.