The rupee today appreciated by 10 paise to hit a 15-month high of 45.74 a dollar in early trade, tracking other firming Asian currencies.
At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the rupee strengthened by 10 paise to trade at 45.74 a dollar, the highest since September 2008. The currency had ended 40 paise higher at 45.84/85 yesterday.
Dealers said the dollar's weakness against other Asian currencies and continued capital inflows by funds into equities supported the rupee sentiment.
Meanwhile, the benchmark Sensex was down over 40 points, or 0.23 per cent, at 17,660.69 points in early trade today.