Rupiah Opens Stronger Against U.S. Dollar

Jakarta, Feb 10 (Antara) - Rupiah gained against the U.S. dollar in the opening trade on Monday on greater confidence in the country`s economy. The currency traded at the level of 12,155 per dollar in interbank transactions gaining from 12,158 earlier. "Rupiah value rose slightly as the sentiments are still encouraging on the domestic financial market," chief researcher of Trust Securities, Reza Priyambada said referring to the country`s trade surplus in December and inflation in January. He said positive sentiment also came from last week`s auction of the state bonds from which the government raised Rp15 trillion exceeding indicative target of Rp10 trillion . "The decision of Bank Indonesia to maintain a relatively high benchmark interest rate is also seen as positive by the market," he said. Externally, delay in the U.S. economic recovery and an increase in the yield of 10-year bonds had resulted in the U.SD. dollar losing its attractiveness, he said. He said report from the U.S. labor ministry showed that "Non Farm Payrolls" grew 113,000 in January , far short of market expectation .