The rupee appreciated by 9 paise to 54.05 against the US dollar in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange on Wednesday on increased selling of the American currency by exporters.
Strengthening of the euro against the dollar in overseas market on upbeat German economic data and a higher opening in the domestic equity market supported the rupee, forex dealers said.
The rupee had gained 4 paise to close at 54.14 in the previous session on sustained capital inflows.
The BSE benchmark Sensex rose by 81.83 points, or 0.41 per cent, to 19,970.78 in early trade on Wednesday.
