The rupee appreciated 26 paise to 75.09 against the US dollar in opening trade on Wednesday, supported by lower crude prices and a weak American currency in the overseas markets. However, subdued domestic equity market and foreign fund outflows capped gains of the local unit, traders said.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened strong at 75.10 against the US dollar and further strengthened to 75.09, showing a sharp gain of 26 paise against the previous close. It was oscillating in a close range of 75.13 and 75.09 in early deals. The rupee had settled at 75.35 against the US currency in the previous session.