The Indian rupee appreciated by 11 paise to 45 a dollar in early trade today helped by increased capital inflows by foreign funds into equities and the US currency's loss against other major currencies overseas.
The domestic currency had closed 19 paise higher at 45.11/12 in the previous session.
Forex dealers said the rupee strengthened against the US currency largely on the back of increased capital inflows by foreign funds into equities and gains in the euro and other currencies against the US dollar.
Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex continued yesterday's rally and gathered another 191.23 points, or 1.11 per cent at 17,387.04 points in the opening trade today.