The rupee gained 19 paise to Rs 45.56 against the US dollar in the early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market today, supported by a higher opening in the stock market and weakness of the American currency against the euro.

The rupee had appreciated by 15 paise to close at Rs 45.75/76 against the US currency on Tuesday on the back of fresh dollar selling by exporters, even as the equity market experienced sharp losses.

Dealers said that in addition to the dollar’s weakness against other overseas currencies, a higher opening in the stock market today boosted the rupee sentiment.