The Indian rupee improved further by nine paise to 41.98/99, against the US currency following stability in equity markets and weakness in dollar overseas.

At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the rupee opened higher at 41.96/97 before being quoted at 41.98/99 in late morning deals.

According to dealers, the rupee is moving in tandem with the domestic stock market where the benchmark Sensex was up by 11 points. The rupee had gained 17 paise yesterday.

Global crude oil prices remained low at USD 119 a barrel, supporting the rupee, according to a forex dealer.

Exporters were believed to be selling dollars in forward market on expectation of further rise in the rupee.