Rupee up by 15 paise in early trade

However, weakness of other Asian currencies and a rise in the euro against the dollar overseas limited the gains.

The rupee had appreciated by 15 paise to close at a four-and-a-half month high of Rs 44.59/60 against the US dollar in the previous session on Thursday on the back of rising equities and dollar weakness overseas.

The markets remained closed on Friday and Monday for `bank`s annual closing of books of acounts` and `Gudi Padwa`, respectively.

Dealers said steady capital inflows and the higher opening in the stock market continued to keep the rupee sentiment firm.

The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex moved up by 68.48 points to 19,770.21 in opening trade today.