Mumbai, April 05: The Indian rupee on Monday appreciated by 15 paise to 44.74 a dollar in early trade on increased capital inflows by foreign funds into stock markets.
Dealers said the rupee strengthened against the U.S. currency as foreign funds continue to invest in the domestic stock markets.
Firming Asian currencies also lifted the rupee sentiment, they added.
The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex rose by 117.88 points, or 0.66 per cent to 17,810.50 in opening trade.
Foreign funds have put over Rs 20,600 crore ($4.54 billion) in the Indian stock market so far this year, with a majority of the chunk coming in the last month.
The domestic currency had closed 20 paise higher at 44.89/90 in the previous session on Wednesday. The Forex market was closed on Thursday and Friday.
—-PTI