The Indian rupee strengthened by 3 paise to Rs 44.54 per dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange today, supported by dollar weakness against other Asian currencies.
Forex dealers said dollar weakness against other Asian currencies and a higher opening in the stock market mainly supported the rupee's rise against the American dollar in the morning today.
The rupee ended 6 paise lower at Rs 44.57/58 against the US dollar in yesterday's trade on account of weakness in local equities amid strengthening of the US currency overseas.
Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange Sensex rose by 27.26 points, or 0.14%, to 18,534.30 in opening trade today.