The partially convertible rupee was trading at 79.40/41 to the dollar by 0345 GMT, from Thursday's close of 79.7550. In early trade it rose to a high of 79.3925, its strongest since July 11.

The dollar languished near a six-week low against the yen amid a sharp retreat in Treasury yields after investors interpreted a shrinking U.S. economy as one more reason for the Federal Reserve to ease off the tightening pedal.

Most Asian currencies also rose against the dollar. [EMRG/FRX]

(Reporting by Swati Bhat; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)