Rupee rises 10 paise to 81.96 against US dollar in early trade

The Indian Rupee gained 10 paise against the US dollar to trade at 81.96 in the early session as the US currency weakened overseas. Forex traders claimed that foreign fund inflows and ease in crude oil prices boosted the home currency. While investors expect data on inflation from the US later in the day, India’s inflation figures for the week will inform the RBI’s further rate-hike moves, they added. Meanwhile, Brent crude futures, the worldwide oil benchmark, dipped to $76.88 per barrel.