Forex dealers said a higher opening in the domestic equity market and strengthening of euro, which gained 1.5 per cent against the dollar overseas after European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi made upbeat remarks about the euro-zone's economic outlook, supported the rupee.
The rupee had gained 18 paise to close at one-week high of 54.57 against the US currency yesterday.
Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark index Sensex rose 176.25 points, or 0.89 per cent, to 19,839.80 in early trade today.