Rupee rises 25 paise to 81.81 against U.S. dollar in early trade

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies fell to 103.78

The rupee appreciated by 25 paise to 81.81 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on Monday, tracking positive sentiments in the domestic equity market and subdued dollar against major currencies.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened at 81.78 against the dollar and slipped to 82.06. Later, it gained ground to reach 81.81 registering an increase of 25 paise over its previous close.

On Friday, the rupee settled at 82.06 against the U.S. dollar.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies fell 0.77% to 103.78.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.30% to $83.03 per barrel.

In the domestic equity market, the 30-share BSE Sensex was trading 262.24 points or 0.44% higher at 59,397.37 points. The broader NSE Nifty rose 79.50 points or 0.46% to 17,492.40 points.

Investors are closely watching the developments following the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank in the U.S.