The rupee strengthened by 6 paise to Rs 53.15 per dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange in early trade today, tracking gains in euro and other currencies against the US currency.
Dealers said dollar losses against the euro and other currencies overseas, supported the rupee sentiment but a slightly weak trend in equities restricted the gains.
The rupee had gained 9 paise to close at Rs 53.21/22 against the dollar yesterday amid a strong rally in domestic equities and fresh dollar selling by exporters.
Meanwhile, the 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex index fell by 49.37 points, or 0.31%, to 15,889.99 in early trade.