The rupee is expected to end 2010 on a strong note supported mainly by strong foreign exchange inflows from portfolio investors, a poll of 12 market participants showed on Wednesday.
?Rupee is likely to strengthen till December as overseas investors will continue to pump in money into Indian markets,? said a dealer at a state-owned bank.
The median estimate of the poll indicated rupee will end the year at Rs 44 to the dollar, compared with Rs 46.53 in December last year.
In the near-term too, the rupee is seen gaining due to investments by foreign investors into initial public offerings that are in the pipeline.
A weak outlook for the US dollar amidst sharply low interest rates and extension of stimulus measures in the US could also boost the rupee. Since January, the rupee has gained 4% to the dollar.
