Re up by 15 paise vs $ in early trade

The Indian rupee appreciated further by 15 paise against the US currency today in early trade on weak dollar and hopes of firm opening on the Indian stock markets.

At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the domestic currency traded higher at 48.64 against the US currency, a rise of 15 paise over the previous close of 48.79/80 a dollar.

On Friday, the local unit resumed higher by 24 paise at 48.79/80.

Forex dealers said dollar weakness against the basket of currencies and expectations of Indian markets opening higher helped the rupee to rise.