The rupee on Wednesday strengthened marginally to 46 rupees 21 paise against the US dollar in early trade. This follows a steady American currency in overseas markets. At the Interbank Foreign Exchange market, the rupee gained 3 paise after closing 49 paise lower at 46 rupees 25 paise a dollar in the previous trading session. Dealers said the rupee moved in a thin range as local equities fell in early trade.