Indian rupee strengthened against the greenback on Friday, January 16, in the early trade on account of dollar selling by banks.
Positive opening witnessed in the Asian as well Indian equity markets too supported the Indian currency.
The partially convertible rupee stood at 48.79 against the dollar, appreciating up to 0.53% than its previous close of 49.03/05.
Asian stocks advanced, lifting the region`s benchmark index from a five-week low, as the yen fell and an Intel Corp. report raised optimism that an earnings slump for chipmakers may be easing.
Meanwhile India`s 30-share Sensex opened with a gain of 78.91 points, at 9,125.65 on Friday, January 16.