Rupee appreciates by 5 paise against dollar in early trade

The rupee edged higher by 5 paise to 66.39 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday after exporters and banks stepped up selling of the US currency amid sustained foreign fund inflows.

Forex dealers said weakness in the US dollar against a few currencies overseas gave some boost to the rupee.

Further, a higher opening in the domestic equity market influenced the rupee uptrend, they added.

On Wednesday, the rupee had gained 8 paise to close at 66.44.

Meanwhile, the benchmark Bombay Stock Exchange's (BSE) Sensex rose 36.42 points, or 0.13%, to 26,100.54 in early trade on Thursday.