The rupee appreciated by 17 paise to Rs 53.13 per dollar in early trade

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on the Interbank Foreign Exchange today, as the US currency weakened against euro and other major currencies.

Dealers said firm domestic equity markets also supported the rupee.

The rupee had lost 20 paise to close at two-week low of Rs 53.30/31 per dollar yesterday.

Meanwhile, the 30-share BSE Sensex rose by 191.52 points, or 1.23 per cent, to 15,709.44 in opening trade today.