The Indian rupee appreciated by 17 paise to 45.44 dollar in the early trade on Friday in line with other firming Asian currencies amid increased capital inflows by foreign funds into equities.

At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the rupee appreciated by 17 paise to 45.44 a dollar. The domestic currency had closed 23 paise lower at 45.61/62 in the previous session.