Rupee up 8 paise at 46.13 against dollar

The Indian rupee inched higher by 8 paise to 46.13 against the dollar in early trade today, extending gains for the third straight day as the US currency dropped against major units.

Dollar selling by exporters also supported the Indian rupee. At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the local unit edged higher by 8 paise to 46.13 a dollar.

Yesterday, the rupee ended 10 paise higher at 46.21/22. Forex dealers said the US currency's losses against other major currencies and dollar selling by exporters, mainly helped the Indian rupee to strengthen.

Besides, firming equity markets also supported the rupee, they said. The benchmark Sensex had gained 183.68 points in the last session.