The Indian rupee appreciated by 12 paise to 46.96 a dollar in early trade

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on the Interbank Foreign Exchange today helped by gains on the equity market.

The rupee had closed lower by 22 paise at 47.08/09 against the dollar yesterday.

Forex dealers said fresh capital inflow into equities by foreign funds provided support to the rupee.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange index Sensex rose by 59.46 points, or 0.35 per cent, to 16,840.53 points in the opening trade today.