The rupee fell by 5 paise to Rs 44.55 against the US dollar in the early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market today, weighed down by a weak trend in the stock market but steady FII inflows restricted the losses.

The domestic unit had tumbled by 12 paise to close at 44.50/51 per dollar in the previous session, following fresh dollar demand from importers amid sluggish equities.

Forex dealers said lower opening in the stock market put pressure on the rupee sentiment.