The rupee today appreciated by 11 paise to 55.53 against the dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange, following a higher opening on the stock market amid selling of the American currency by exporters.
Dealers said besides higher opening in local equities and selling of dollars by exporters, euro's gains against the American currency mainly supported the rupee.
In a volatile trade, the rupee had closed flat at 55.64 yesterday.
Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark index Sensex surged by 169.46 points, or 1.06%, to 16,190.10 in early trade today.