Rupee up 20 paise against dollar in early trade

Besides, a higher opening in the domestic equity market and strengthening of euro, which hovered at seven-week high against the American currency overseas, supported the rupee, forex dealers said.

Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark index Sensex extended yesterday's gains by rising 102.67 points, or 0.53 per cent, to 19,450.79 in early trade today.

The rupee had gained nine paise to close at 54.68 against the dollar yesterday on investor hopes of Parliament giving approval to FDI in multi-brand retail amid sustained selling of the US currency.