The rupee appreciated 20 paise to 94.25 against the US dollar in early trade on Monday supported by easing crude oil prices, even as a firm US dollar and tepid investor risk appetite weighed on sentiments.

Forex traders said the rupee opened on a positive note with oil prices remaining supportive and foreign inflows improving. The overall bias remains positive for the rupee, they said, adding that the immediate hurdle remains the US dollar, which continues to hold firm near a 13-month high.