The rupee appreciated by 25 paise to 56 rupees 55 paise against the US dollar in early trade today at the Interbank Foreign Exchange. The Rupee surged on hopes that the government will take steps to check the currency's slide.The rupee closed at 56 rupees 80 in yesterday's trade, a rise of 35 paise, or 0.61 per cent, its biggest percentage gain in two weeks.