Rupee up 8 paise against US dollar in early trade

The Indian rupee strengthened by 8 paise to Rs44.43 against the US dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange today, aided by capital inflows and a firming trend in the stock market.

Dollar losses against the euro and other major currencies overseas also supported the gains.

The rupee had depreciated by 3 paise to close at Rs44.51/52 against the US dollar in the previous session.

Dealers said steady capital inflows and the higher opening in the stock market mainly kept the rupee sentiment firm.

The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex moved up by 88.28 points, or 0.45%, to 19,633.63 in opening trade today.