The rupee strengthened by three paise to 60.09 against the dollar in early trade on Thursday at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market on increased selling of the US currency by exporters.
Forex dealers said besides selling of dollars by exporters, strength in other currencies against the American unit overseas also supported the rupee but a lower opening of the domestic equity market, capped the gains.
The local currency had gained one paisa to close at 60.12 against the dollar on Wednesday.
