The rupee appreciated by 36 paise to 71 rupees and 30 paise against the US dollar in early trade today as gains in domestic equity market and fresh foreign fund inflows strengthened investor sentiments. Yesterday, the rupee had settled at 71 rupees and 66 paise against the American currency.

Domestic stocks markets opened on a positive note today. Sensex rose 140 points to trade at 37,411 and Nifty was up 41 points at 11,077.