Continuing on its gaining streak for the fifth straight day, the Indian rupee strengthened by another 9 paise to 44 rupee 97 paise against the US dollar in early trade.The rupee appreciation was largely in line with stronger Asian currencies overseas and a positive opening in the stock market.The rupee had appreciated by 2 paise to close at 45 rupees 6 paise against the US dollar in the previous session on sustained dollar-selling by some banks and exporters.