The Indian rupee strengthened by 13 paise to 44.90 against the US dollar in early trade on selling of dollars by banks and exporters in view of persistent capital inflows by foreign funds into equity market.
The rupee resumed higher at 44.95/96 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange, as against yesterday's close of 45.03/04 per dollar, and moved up further to 44.90 per dollar before quoting at 44.96/97 per dollar at 1030 hours.
The domestic currency moved in a range between Rs 44.90 and Rs 45.00 per dollar during morning trade.
Banks and exporters preferred to reduce their dollar position in view of sustained capital inflows by foreign funds into the equity market, a forex dealer said.
The Indian benchmark Sensex continued to rule firm for the fifth trading session by gaining another 136 points in early trade.