The rupee appreciated 17 paise to 81.55 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday on broad dollar weakness and a positive trend in domestic equities.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened at 81.63 against the dollar, then gained ground to touch 81.55, registering a rise of 17 paise over its previous close.
On Tuesday, the rupee declined 4 paise to close at 81.72 against the US dollar.
