The rupee appreciated by 16 paise to 44 rupees 33 paise against the US dollar in the morning trade. This follows sustained FII inflows into equity markets.Besides, dollar's weakness against other major currencies, such as euro and yen, also supported the Indian Rupee. The rupee had ended 19 paise higher at 44 rupees 50 paise against the US currency in the previous session on dollars selling by banks and exporters.