The rupee strengthened by 21 paise to 52.14 against the US dollar in early trade today.
Dealers said recovery in the euro and Asian currencies against the US dollar overseas influenced the rupee sentiment here.
Yesterday, the rupee ended at 52.35/36— its all-time closing low— against the US dollar amid continuing signs of capital outflows and steep fall in stock markets.
Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark Sensex fell by 54.75 points, or 0.35 per cent, to 15,645.22 in opening trade today.