The rupee today lost 9 paise to 61.55 rupees against the US dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange market due to appreciation of the American unit against other currencies overseas. Increased demand for the dollar from importers also put pressure on the rupee. The rupee had closed 13 paise higher at 61.46 rupees a dollar in yesterday's trade after banks and exporters sold the US currency as it weakened overseas.