MUMBAI: The rupee appreciated 21 paise to 87.75 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, supported by a softer American currency against major currencies and likely intervention by the Reserve Bank of India.

Forex traders said renewed foreign fund inflows and lower crude oil prices boosted investor sentiment further.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 87.91 and then gained ground and touched an early high of 87.75 against the US dollar, registering a gain of 21 paise from its previous close.

On Thursday, the rupee appreciated 12 paise to close at 87.96 against the US dollar, registering gains for the second straight session.

"After weeks of drifting in uncertain waters, the currency now seems to have found a favourable current -- buoyed by a softer US

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